Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was hospitalized over a week ago with a rare form of pneumonia, and her family just shared a positive update.
Just last week, Retton's daughter McKenna Kelly set up a Spotfund fundraiser and revealed her mother was "fighting for her life."
"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."
Kelly added that her mom had no health insurance and any help would be greatly appreciated.
"ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom."
Then on October 11, Retton's daughter Shayla Schrepfer posted a video on Instagram sharing that her mother "is still fighting."
"She is being treated by the best of the best professionals here. And it has been such a blessing to have their hands on her."
"So please continue the prayers. We cannot thank you enough for the love and support you guys have shown."
But on Saturday, the gymnast's daughters shared "some uplifting updates" to Instagram letting fans know that their mother has made "remarkable" progress.
On their separate accounts, they posted a message that read:
"Mom's progress is truly remarkable!"
"Prayers have been felt and have been answers."
They continued:
"Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding."
"Her fighting spirit is truly shining!"
"Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing."
The message concluded:
"Though it's a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She's responding so well to treatments."
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love."
People on social media were relieved to see a positive update and continued to send their well wishes.
As of this writing, Retton's Spotfund has raised more than $441k.
Schrepfer extended her gratitude to her mother's fans and their generosity:
"My sisters and I are overwhelmed."
"We didn't even realize that there's so many people out there that love her just as much as we do."
"And it's been a really hard time for our family, so just seeing that people love her like that, and are showing her that support, it's just meant the world to us and to her."
Here's hoping Retton is on her way to making a full, speedy recovery.
@IrnaEnglish/X
