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.
@voicemorgantown Good to hear!\ud83d\ude03\ud83d\ude03— Gene (@Gene) 1697381647
@etnow Oh great news. \nHappy Sunday.— Lily Reyes (@Lily Reyes) 1697392878
@nypost good luck QUEEN— The Meta Mus\u00e9e (@The Meta Mus\u00e9e) 1697049255
@cbrennansports As a former gymnast, she is my hero and my inspiration. Sending prayers that she makes a complete recovery.— Lynn Jenks (@Lynn Jenks) 1697074626
@cbrennansports Praying for you Mary Lou. Your my favorite gymnastics star. Love and prayers family......— Bruce Copeland (@Bruce Copeland) 1697115452
Get well soon Mary Lou. \u2764\ufe0f— NanaimoNC PAnna 4MLA (@NanaimoNC PAnna 4MLA) 1697063714
Mary Lou Retton was the reason I got into sports as a kid - she means so much to so many people. Sending my best wishes.— Retorter\u2702\ufe0f\u2702\ufe0f (@Retorter\u2702\ufe0f\u2702\ufe0f) 1697198504
\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\ude4f— Jason Adamson (@Jason Adamson) 1697070195
@FoxNews I sure am glad to hear some good news!— \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 K. Overstreet \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 (@\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 K. Overstreet \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8) 1697316679
@FoxNews Hope you get well soon, Mary Lou.— Robert Hill (@Robert Hill) 1697339409
@FoxNews That is terrific news!— pauls pierce (@pauls pierce) 1697317446
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.
