Mary Lou Retton’s Daughter Shares Update On Olympian’s ICU Struggle

Retired gymnast Mary Lou Retton is still fighting for her life in the ICU after being diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia.

Her daughter Shayla Kelley Schrepfer has been reaching out for help online, revealing that her mother did not have health insurance when she was admitted to the ICU over a week ago.

The 55-year-old retired Olympic gymnast is not giving up just yet. According to her four daughters, Mary Lou is “still fighting” for her life in the ICU.

Her eldest daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, told People magazine that their “number one concern” is the well-being of their mother, adding, “That being said, being by her side is our first priority.”

The update follows an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, where Shayla said that her mother was “still fighting” and thanked fans for their love and support.

“It’s gonna be a day-by-day process, and we hope that you guys will respect her boundaries because we want to keep the details between her and our family right now,” she said.

“She’s been 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 and we cannot thank you enough for the love and support that you guys have shown,” Shayla continued.

On Tuesday, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley started a Spotfund page in order to finance her mother’s healthcare. As of Wednesday night, they had far exceeded their initial goal of $50,000 and looked like they were on their way to getting close to $300,000.

“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,” McKenna wrote in the plea.

“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,” she continued. “ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”

On the donations page, many fans left comments sharing their thoughts and prayers. One anonymous user who donated $200 wrote, “Keep fighting Mary. You are an inspiration to many of us who grew up in the 80’s around the world. God bless.”

A user named Maria L. Evans commented, “I'm lifting your mom up in prayer as well as sending a donation. I still remember how magical she was in the Olympics--a great part of my sports fandom--and I am so sorry she is fighting this without insurance. No one should be in that position.”

An anonymous user who donated $20 wrote, “Having grown up in West Virginia, we were so proud of our homegrown Mary Lou. There is a highway sign acknowledging ‘home of Mary Lou Retton’ along I 79 north of Clarksburg, WV. Hang tough, Mary Lou. Your smile is your trademark, love of life, contagious. You are a fighter. We are praying for you.”

Another West Virginia resident who donated $40 added, “We have so appreciated what a positive representative you have been for the state of WV. You have made us so proud over the years. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.”

A user named Linda Silich, who donated $50, added, “Hope this helps you Mary Lou! Keep the faith and fighting. You’ve been one of my favorite athletes forever especially since people always said you’re my doppelgänger (or I’m yours…) especially when I was a gymnast too. Hang tough.”

A user named Mara Cooper, who donated $50, shared, “May God help you heal and I will keep you in my prayers. You were such a wonderful role model and I hope you heal completely and are able to feel all the love and prayers being sent your way from around the world.”