Remarkable Progress: Mary Lou Retton’s Battle Against Pneumonia

In a recent Instagram update, McKenna Kelley, daughter of Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Mary Lou Retton, shared some uplifting news about her mother’s battle against pneumonia. After being struck down by a very rare form of the condition, Mary Lou was left fighting for her life. However, her progress has been described as remarkable, offering hope for her recovery.

Despite still being in the ICU, Mary Lou’s path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is shining through as her breathing becomes stronger and her reliance on machines diminishes. These improvements, although part of a lengthy journey, are incredibly heartening for her family and supporters.

Mary Lou Retton, now 55 years old, made history at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles when she became the first American woman to win gold in the individual all-around competition. She also claimed two silver and two bronze medals at the same Games. After retiring from gymnastics in 1986, she pursued a career in acting, with cameo roles in movies such as ‘Scrooged’ and ‘Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,’ as well as TV shows like ‘Glee’ and ‘Baywatch.’ In 2018, she participated in the TV talent show ‘Dancing With The Stars,’ finishing in ninth place.

McKenna Kelley recently revealed that her mother had spent over a week in intensive care and launched an online fundraiser to help cover the treatment costs, as Mary Lou does not have medical insurance. The support and love from fans and well-wishers have been overwhelming, and McKenna expressed heartfelt gratitude for their contributions.

While Mary Lou’s battle against pneumonia continues, her remarkable progress serves as an inspiration to many. As she fights for her life, her story reminds us of the importance of cherishing our health and the resilience of the human spirit.