Mary Lou Retton breaks silence on life-threatening health scare following 2-week ICU stay

Mary Lou Retton is speaking out for the first time since she was hospitalized for a life-threatening illness.

The former Olympian took to Instagram Monday to share a statement about her current condition.

“I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” she began. “I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!”

The 55-year-old mother of four added that in due time she would update fans about her “health issues” in hopes that she could help others who find themselves facing a similar battle.

Retton was hospitalized earlier this month for a “very rare” form of pneumonia.

Her daughter McKenna Kelley asked for the public’s help with paying for her mother’s medical bills as Retton fought for her life in the ICU.

“She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured,” she explained on a SpotFund campaign.

As of October 30 more than $450,000 has been raised.

LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 1984: Mary Lou Retton of the USA waves to the crowd during the Women’s Gymnastics competition of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games held from July 30 to August 3, 1984 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)

Retton’s other daughter, Shayla Shrepfer, also kept fans updated on her mother’s condition during her two-week hospitalization.

While their family was initially happy with the progress Retton had been making, the former Olympian experienced a “pretty scary setback.” However, days after the setback Retton was discharged from the hospital and allowed to return home.

“Mom is HOME & in recovery mode,” McKenna, wrote on Instagram. “We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps. We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone. Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts. Thank you Jesus, thank you doctors & nurses, thank you to this loving community of support.”

Wonderful news for Mary Lou Retton and her family! May she continue to rest and recover.

Related Posts

Her words left thousands speechless… Full story in the comments

In a moment that stunned tens of thousands, Erika Kirk, widow of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, made headlines for something unimaginable: she publicly forgave the man accused…

5 early signs of can.cer growth in the body

Cancer is a severe disease that often grows silently, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. However, the body can show early alert signs that, if recognized…

CHARLIE KIRK — A LIFE LIVED AT HYPERDRIVE

At the heart of a packed memorial service, Pastor Rob McCoy delivered words that shook the crowd to silence: “He lived 10 lives in 31 years.” That…

Erika Kirk Recalls the Surgeon’s Devastating Message Following Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

The United States continues to mourn the shocking assassination of political activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025,…

Reasons You Could Have Numbness or Tingling Sensations in Your Hands

Experiencing those peculiar sensations of numbness or tingling in your hands can be quite unsettling. These feelings, often described by people as “pins and needles,” can vary…

15 True Events So Disturbing They Defy All Logic

Sometimes the real world can be more unsettling than any fictional work. You may be surprised by the real-life stories in this collection. What initially appear to…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *