Retired gymnast Mary Lou Retton is still fighting for her life in the ICU after being diagnosed with a rare pneumonia.
Her daughter Shayla Kelley Schrepfer has reached out for help online, revealing that her mother did not have health insurance when she was admitted to the ICU more than a week ago.
Olympic Medalist Mary Lou Retton ‘Still Fighting’ For Her Life In ICU
Instagram | Mary Lou Retton
The 55-year-old retired Olympic gymnast is still not giving up. According to her four daughters, Mary Lou is “still fighting” for her life in the ICU.
Her oldest daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, told People magazine that their “number one concern” is their mother’s well-being, adding, “That being said, being by her side is our priority.”
The update follows an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, in which Shayla said that her mother is “still fighting” and thanked fans for their love and support.
“It’s going to be a day-by-day process, and we hope you all will respect his boundaries because we want to keep the details between him and our family for now,” he said.
“She has been treated by the best of the best professionals here and it has been a blessing to hold their hands, so please continue to pray and we can’t thank you enough for the love and support you have shown,” Shayla continued.
Mary Lou’s Daughters Are Asking For Help Raising Funds For Their Mother’s Health Fight
On Tuesday, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley started a Spotfund page to fund her mother’s health care. As of Wednesday night, they had far exceeded their initial goal of $50,000 and looked like they were on their way to nearly $300,000.
“My amazing mother, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. He can’t breathe on his own. He has been in ICU for over a week now. To respect him and his privacy, I will not reveal all the details. However, I will disclose that he does not insure,” McKenna wrote in the plea.
“We ask that if you can help in any way, 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you can help us financially for the hospital bills,” he continued. “Anything, anything, would really help my family and my mom. Thank you very much!”
Fans Sound Off With Words of Support and Encouragement
Instagram | Mary Lou Retton
On the donation page, many fans left comments sharing their thoughts and prayers. An anonymous user who donated $200 wrote, “Keep fighting Mary. You are an inspiration to many of us who grew up in the 80s around the world. God bless you.”
A user named Maria L. Evans commented, “I am raising your mother in prayer and sending donations. I remember how magical he was in the Olympics–most of my sports fans–and I’m so sorry he’s fighting this without insurance. Nobody should be in that position.”
An anonymous user who donated $20 wrote, “Having grown up in West Virginia, we are so proud of our homegrown Mary Lou. There is a highway sign recognizing the ‘Mary Lou Retton home’ along I 79 north of Clarksburg, WV. Hang in there, Mary Lou. Your smile is your trademark, love of life, contagious. You are a fighter. We pray for you.”
Instagram | Mary Lou Retton
Another West Virginian who donated $40 added, “We really appreciate how positive your representative is for the state of WV. You have made us very proud all this time. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.”
A user named Linda Silich, who donated $50, added, “Hope this helps you Mary Lou! Keep the faith and fight. You’ve been one of my favorite athletes forever especially because people always say you’re my doppelgänger (or I’m yours…) especially when I was a gymnast too. Hold on.”
A user named Mara Cooper, who donated $50, shared, “May God help you heal and I will keep you in my prayers. You are a great role model and I hope you make a full recovery and feel all the love and prayers being sent to you from all over the world.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
