Olympic gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton recently revealed that seven months after being hospitalized with a serious illness, doctors are still unsure about the exact condition affecting her lungs. At 56 years old, Retton shared that she still requires oxygen tubes to help her breathe as she continues her recovery. Doctors have referred to her illness as a rare form of pneumonia, which has left lasting damage on her lungs. Despite the challenges she has faced, Retton maintains a positive outlook and acknowledges that she still has much to look forward to.
Throughout her recovery, Retton’s daughters have been an important source of support for her. When she was admitted to the intensive care unit in 2023, her daughters disclosed that she was battling pneumonia and requested financial assistance through a crowdfunding page due to her lack of health insurance. Retton is a mother of four daughters, whom she shares with her former husband Shannon Kelley. In the following weeks, her daughters provided updates on her condition to keep her followers informed, expressing their gratitude for the continued support they received.
After leaving the hospital, Retton’s daughters continued to update fans on their mother’s progress. On Thanksgiving in 2023, Retton expressed her profound gratitude for slowly improving and regaining her health. As a prominent figure in the world of 80s gymnastics, Retton acknowledged the support she received from around the world during her recovery. In a statement shared on Instagram a month earlier, Retton expressed her thankfulness for the outpouring of love and support she had received, emphasizing the importance of staying positive during the lengthy recovery process.
Despite facing significant challenges in her health journey, Retton remains positive and hopeful for the future. She acknowledged that dealing with lung issues presents a different set of obstacles compared to other types of injuries. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition, Retton has chosen to focus on the things she has to look forward to rather than dwell on the difficulties she has faced. With the support of her family, friends, and followers, Retton continues to navigate her recovery journey with resilience and optimism, determined to emerge stronger from her health battle.
As Retton continues to recover, she remains grateful for the love and support she has received from those around her. She has expressed her intention to share more details about her health issues in the hopes of helping others who may be facing similar challenges. Retton’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and positivity in the face of adversity. With her strong support system and determination, Retton is steadily progressing towards regaining her health and inspiring others along the way.
