It was the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, when America under President Ronald Reagan really showed that it was “back” after the dark days of Carter and stagflation, with Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s victory in the all-around women’s gymnastics competition being one of America’s key victories in that tournament.
However, Retton is now in the hospital and fighting for her life against a terrible case of pneumonia, one which has left her stuck on a hospital bed, without insurance covering her hospital stay, and her daughter begging for help from the public to keep the family out of penury.
Fortunately, Retton appears to be getting better. Such is what her daughter, McKenna Kelley, announced in a recent post on Instagram, saying, “Mom’s progress is truly remarkable. Prayers have been felt and are being answered. Although she remains in ICU her path to recovery is steadily progressing. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!”
In another Instagram post, Retton’s eldest daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, said, “First and foremost, thank you so much for all the love and support that you’ve given to my mom. 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.”
Continuing, she went on to thank everyone for their help in the medical situation, saying, “And It’s been a really hard time for our family, and so just seeing that people love her like and showing her that support has just meant the world to us and to her.”
In the original fundraiser request, one which has now raised about $450,000 of a $50,000 goal, Kelley said, “Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is 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. However, I will disclose that she not insured.”
She continued, “We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”
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Donors were able to leave comments, with many leaving heartwarming ones. One, for example, said, “We need more people like you Mary Lou! I hope my donation helps one of the uplifting souls in our world stay with us longer and help humanity see optimism is contagious! May you live long and keep fighting!”
Another added, “Hey Mary Lou, I still remember where I was watching you in that Olympics. You are as America as apple pie..Thanks for performance. I Prayed for your healing! Mike.” Similarly, still another said, “You were and still are an incredible role model for everyone in the US. You made us so proud!! We really hope you get well soon and enjoy many more years with your family.”
Featured image credit: Shayle Kelly Schrepfer Instagram