After a long struggle with a rare form of pneumonia, gymnastics icon, Mary Lou Retton returned home and gave her fandom a comforting update on her health. The first American woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal in the 1984 Olympics was hospitalized after contracting the ailment. That required her to be in the intensive care unit.

Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, kept the fans updated via social media about her condition. The second child of Retton and ex-husband Shannon Kelley, McKenna sought help in the form of both prayer and financial assistance. That latter form was essential, as Mary Lou Retton was not insured. Interestingly, as the gymnast returned home and is now on the road to recovery, she expressed her gratitude towards her fans through her social media handle.

Mary Lou Retton beyond grateful following initial stages of recovery

Mary Lou Retton took to Instagram on October 30 to share an update. She wrote, “I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement. I am overwhelmed with the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!”

The former gymnast, 55, added she would share more details about her condition and recovery as it progresses. For the moment, she is taking it one little step at a time. Retton is back with her family following her discharge from the hospital. She was not the only one from her family to take to social media after her release. Her oldest daughters also expressed their gratitude toward every helping hand.

Shayla and McKenna add their thanks

Shayla, 28, and McKenna, 26, gave a shout-out to all sent their best wishes to Retton. The former said, in an Instagram video dated October 18, “Thank you guys again for just the support. I’m getting so many messages and emails, and just it’s so great to see people love on her.”

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McKenna updated the fans following her mother’s release from the hospital. On October 23, she wrote, “Mom is HOME & in recovery mode. We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps.” McKenna, too, thanked the fans for their overwhelming support during this time of crisis.

While she may not be out of the woods yet, Mary Lou Retton is grateful for the support and love that poured in from every direction. For the moment, she is out of intensive care and back home. Retton has promised further updates as she undertakes the journey of healing.

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