HOUSTON — After reportedly being hospitalized for weeks with a rare form of pneumonia, Mary Lou Retton's daughter said the iconic Olympian has made "truly remarkable" progress.
Editor's note: The above video was published on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
"Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing," Retton's oldest daughter, Shayla, said on Instagram.
Editor's note: Video above is from October 11
That's a stark improvement from the update another of her daughters, McKenna Kelley, gave on Tuesday when she said Retton was "fighting for her life."
Read the full update Shayla gave on Saturday:
"We're thrilled to share some uplifting updates!
"Mom's progress is truly remarkable! Prayers have been felt and have been answered.
"Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!
"Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing.
"Though it's a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She's responding so well to treatments.
"Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love and support."
"Pneumonia is an infection of your lung where the lung tissue gets inundated with fluid," UTHealth Houston's Dr. Pushan Jani said.
He is not Retton's doctor but said severe cases of pneumonia are relatively rare.
"Most patients get community-acquired pneumonia, also referred to as walking pneumonia but some patients can get a severe form and end up in the ICU," Pushan explained.
Crowdfunding account for Mary Lou Retton far exceeds goal
"Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured," Kelley posted on the fundraiser page. "We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill."
When we first posted the story on Tuesday, the Spotfund account had just over $7,000. By noon Wednesday, they had surpassed $250,000, including a $50,000 donation from Houston's Linda McIngvale, wife and business partner of Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. As of Saturday, the fundraiser was up to $419,350.