Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Suffers ‘Pretty Scary Setback’ In The ICU

Retired Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is still in the ICU fighting for her life.

Her eldest daughter, Shayla Schrepfer, took to Instagram on Wednesday night to share a short update with her followers, explaining that although she and her family are thankful for the outpouring of love and support, her mother still remains in the ICU.

On Wednesday, October 18, Mary Lou Retton's oldest daughter Shayla Schrepfer shared a video on Instagram that was simply titled "Update" along with a white heart emoji. The Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast has been battling a rare form of pneumonia in the ICU since earlier this month, and unfortunately, it looks like she has suffered a setback in regards to her health.

“Basically at the beginning of this week, we were going on the up and up,” Schrepfer, 28 said, admitting that although she is "excited" by the progress that her mother has made, it is still an uphill battle on the road to recovery.

“We were so excited, seeing so much progress and then yesterday we had a pretty scary setback," she explained. "She is still in ICU and we're just working through some things as far as her setback goes. So I just wanted to give an update there,” she continued. She went on to say that “She had a better day today, which is great,” but confessed that Retton is feeling “really really exhausted.”

She wrapped up the video by thanking fans for their support. “I'm getting so many messages and emails and just, it's so great to see people love on her, so… that's it,” she said as she ended the video.

On Sunday, October 15, her daughter McKenna Kelley took to Instagram to share some “uplifting news” about her mother's condition in the ICU. “UPDATE! We’re thrilled to share some uplifting news. Mom’s progress is truly remarkable. Prayers have been felt and are being answered,” the message began.

“Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily progressing. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!” the message continued. “Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing.”

“Though it’s a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She’s begging to respond to treatments. Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love and support,” the message concluded.

Shayla first opened up on her mother’s health condition in an Instagram video on Wednesday, October 11. “Thank you for your unbelievable love & support for our mom. Please continue to pray for her full recovery,” she wrote in the caption. In the video, Shayla said that her mother was “still fighting” for her life in the ICU and thanked fans for their 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.”

Shortly after the video was posted, Shayla 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.”

On Tuesday, October 10, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley started a Spotfund page in order to finance her mother's health scare. Although the family had initially only asked fans to contribute $50,000 to their mother's healthcare fund, over eight thousand donors have contributed over $450,000 as of Thursday, October 19.

“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 is 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!”

Many fans opened their wallets to donate. A woman named Belinda Carter donated $100, writing, “Praying for you MaryLou to get better and come through this with health. You have given us so much enjoyment through your career and we are happy to help you in any way we can. Love and prayers for a complete recovery.”

The Tyson Foods Team even donated $10,000 to help the 55-year-old former athlete recover, writing, “Mary Lou has partnered with Tyson Foods in the past on our Gold Medal Mom campaign and cookbook, 'America's Cookin' with Tyson Holly Farms.' Our prayers go out to Mary Lou and her family during this challenging time. The Tyson team is behind you!”