Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated gymnast who captured hearts worldwide with her Olympic triumph in 1984, opens up about a harrowing experience with pneumonia that has left her concerned about her future health.

Last October, Retton faced a serious health scare when her neighbor discovered her in a dire state, suffering from an unusual type of pneumonia. Her condition necessitated urgent hospitalization and intensive care, where her prognosis appeared grim.

A Near-Death Encounter

This shocking episode was so critical that Retton’s daughters were prepared to say their final farewells. Physicians feared she might not survive the night. By some miracle, Mary Lou managed to pull through and return to her family after a few days of uncertainty.

Yet, the experience left marks beyond the physical. “It’s been truly difficult,” Retton shared emotionally. “My lungs have been scarred, and this will mean lifelong recovery for me.” This ordeal has significantly impacted her, as she used to depend heavily on her physical abilities.

Gratitude and Reflection

Despite the challenges, Retton remains thankful, attributing her survival to divine intervention. She expresses gratitude, noting that perhaps it wasn’t yet her time to leave this world. “Girl, I should be dead,” she recalled. Her daughters watched her closely during those intense moments in the hospital ICU.

During her hospital stay, Retton’s daughters took the initiative to launch a fundraising campaign to help cover her medical expenses, securing significant donations through a SpotFund account. This move sparked some controversy as questions emerged about the use of the funds and doubts over Retton’s insurance status.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Mary Lou remains protective of her daughters against criticism, focusing instead on the overwhelming support and care they showed. Asked about the controversy, she remarked, “They were just caring for me. Critics will write what they will, but I’m unfazed. Their concern was genuine, and that’s all that mattered.”

Today, Mary Lou’s journey involves embracing the ongoing recovery process while cherishing the love surrounding her. Though she may feel forever altered by this experience, her spirit remains resilient, underscoring the remarkable human capacity to endure and overcome life’s most daunting challenges.

For Mary Lou and her family, this experience has become a testament to the power of love, prayer, and medical endurance.