Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton is “fighting for her life,” according to her daughter McKenna Kelley. On Tuesday, Kelley launched a fundraiser for her mother and the family has received an overwhelming amount of financial support in just a few days.
In the post, Kelley said Retton had been in the intensive care unit for over a week with a rare form of pneumonia and was unable to breathe on his own. As Retton fights to stay alive, Kelley has asked for financial support for her mother, who is currently without insurance.
“We ask that if you could help in any way that you 1) PRAY! and 2) could help us cover the hospital bill,” Kelley wrote in her fundraising post. “Anything, absolutely anything, would be very helpful for my family and my mother. Thank you all!”
The campaign has already raised over $278,000, more than five times the original goal of $50,000. That money came from 4,935 individual donors, including one who gave $50,000, and the fundraiser has been shared 1,100 times so far.
On Wednesday, as donations continued to pour in for her mother, Kelley posted again on Instagram. This time, she thanked everyone for their support as Retton continues to fight with the help of medical staff.
“My sisters Skyla, Shayla, Emma and I would like to thank everyone for the love and support for our mother.
“Mom is in intensive care and continues to fight. She is receiving incredible medical care! Thank you to all the doctors and nurses!”
“We ask for continued prayers and positive thoughts for our mother.”
Retton, just 55 years old, is a gymnastics legend. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Retton won a gold medal in the all-around, silver medals in the team event and vault, and bronze in the uneven bars and floor exercise.
Retton retired from gymnastics in 1986 and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
After her career on the floor, Retton landed roles in numerous television shows and films. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports during George W. Bush’s administration.