Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber.Photo:Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Mary Lou Retton’s friends and family are thinking of her as the former Olympic gold medalist remains hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia.
After Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley said her 55-year-old mother is “fighting for her life” in the ICU on Tuesday, Retton’s formerDancing with the Starspartner,Sasha Farber, tells PEOPLE he reached out to the former gymnast via text.
Farber, 39, shares, “I spoke to my Sweet Mary Lou over text, during the show, and I reminded her that she needs to fight harder than ever, there is only ONE Mary Lou and that she has got this.”
Farber, who danced with Retton on the show’s 27th season in 2018, says he “sent her pictures from our season and she said this made her smile,” on Wednesday.
Sasha Farber and Mary Lou Retton.Craig Sjodin/ABC
Dukes of Hazzardstar John Schneider, a competitor of Retton’s during season 27, also shared his thoughts on the news of her hospitalization on Wednesday.
Schneider, 63, tells PEOPLE,“Not only is Mary Lou one of my fellow Dancing with the Stars alumni but she has been part of Children’s Miracle Network hospital for decades. I’ve never met anyone stronger with more zest for life.”
“I feel confident that this amazing yet tiny powerhouse will pull through,” he continued. “I love you, Mary Lou, and remain one of your tallest fans!”
On Wednesday, Retton’s eldest daughter Shayla Kelley Schrepfer told PEOPLE, “Our number one concern is the well being of our mom.”
Mary Lou Retton poses at “Dancing with the Stars” Season 27 at CBS Televison City on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.David Livingston/Getty
David Livingston/Getty
According to the Associated Press, Retton is being treated at a hospital in Texas. The Olympic champion gymnast has been a longtime resident of Houston since moving to the area for her training in the 80s.
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ASpotfundpage was set up to help Retton, who is uninsured according to her daughter McKenna Kelley, with hospital bills. The fundraiser’s initial goal of $50,000 was surpassed less than one day later and as of Wednesday, has collected over $285,000.
Retton’s generous backers have offered more than just their financial support. Comments on the fundraiser have been pouring in with thoughtful messages for Retton and her family to accompany the donations.
One user who donated $20 to Retton said, “GET WELL MARY LOU!! You are America’s Sweet Heart and we are all rooting for you!”
source: people.com
