HOUSTON, TEXAS: Mary Lou Retton, the first American to win an Olympic in 1984, is on the path to recovery and making remarkable progress as she battles rare pneumonia that landed her in the intensive care unit.
The people have been rallying behind the champion and her family, especially her four daughters, following the condition that had left her unable to breathe, reports New York Post.
How is Mary Lou Retton now?
In the latest health update, McKenna Kelley, one of the four daughters of 55-year-old Retton, posted an Instagram update saying that "prayers are being answered."
She wrote, "We're thrilled to share some uplifting news. Mom's progress is truly remarkable. Prayers have been felt and are being answered."
Kelley said although Ritten remains in ICU, "her path to recovery is steadily progressing. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!"
Mary Lou Retton's breathing is becoming stronger and she is less dependent on machines
Kelly informed that her "breathing is becoming stronger,' and her dependence on "machines is diminishing."
She continued, "Though it's a lengthy journey, witnessing these
improvements is incredibly heartening! She's beginning
to respond to treatments."
She once more extended their heartfelt gratitude for "overwhelming love and support."
Mary Lou Retton is not insured, her family revealed
Rettons family revealed earlier this week. They said she was “fighting for her life.”
The family set up a fundraiser to help cover Retton’s medical expenses as she did not have medical insurance.
"My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life," her daughter McKenna Kelley wrote.
"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," she added on the Spot Fund.
At the time of filing this report, more than $420,117 had been raised from over 7,775 donors. Apart from donating, people also prayed for Retton's recovery.
"MLR is a national hero & treasure. Sending love, prayers, & what I can," a donor wrote recently on her fundraiser. "God speed America, Sweetheart," another added.
