After a long struggle with a chronic ailment, gymnastics icon, Mary Lou Retton returned home and gave her fans a comforting update on her health. The first American woman to clinch the all-around gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics was in a very critical condition and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, as she was battling a rare form of pneumonia. Nevertheless, the prayers of her daughter and fandom got answered, as Retton took the next step in her road to recovery.

The 55-year-old gymnastics legend suffered from a rare disease and was “not able to breathe on her own.” However, after receiving medical attention for weeks, her daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, revealed that Retton had been discharged from the hospital.

Mary Lou Retton makes it back from the jaws of death

Mary Lou Retton took the first step for America back at the 1984 Olympics and stood atop the podium with power and grace. But, the 55-year-old gymnastics legend found herself powerless against a rare form of pneumonia a few days ago. Her family rushed her to the hospital where she was given immediate medical care. Nonetheless, weeks after fighting with the critical ailment, McKenna Lane Kelley recently shared the latest update on her mother’s health via an Instagram post.

In the post, Kelley penned, ?Mom is HOME & in recovery mode. We Still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps. We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone. Grateful doesn?t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.??The good news comes after two weeks of emotional turmoil for the family of the national hero.?

While Mary Lou Retton had to be hospitalized, she unfortunately didn?t have medical insurance. Retton?s daughters, McKenna, Emma, Skyla, and Shayla, got together to request people for donations and set up a crowdfunding page. The countless fans and well-wishers responded to the call for help and contributed to whatever they could. In fact, more than 8,300 people came forward to donate over $459,000.

The community supporting the Retton family

The family of the legendary gymnast expressed their gratitude for the selfless gesture shown by so many people. McKenna Kelley addressed the massive donations and prayers received by the family for the gymnast. She wrote, ?Thank you Jesus, thank you doctors & nurses, thank you to this loving community of support.??The financial aid was very necessary for Retton to recover, as there were times when her condition lacked stability.

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While she was still at the hospital, Mary Lou Retton showed positive signs of making a comeback. However, her condition worsened at one point, which gave everyone a major scare. Thankfully, the doctors took care of everything and saved Retton. The good news of her homecoming brought countless smiles to all her fans and the gymnastics community. Her family and her well-wishers now pray that her health only sees an upward trajectory.

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