Photo:David Livingston/Getty
David Livingston/Getty
As Mary Lou Retton continuesbattling a rare form of pneumoniain the hospital, the iconic gymnast has the support of her former Olympic teammates.
“Our team has had a sister-like bond that has been in place for almost four decades, and we know firsthand how strong she is,” Michelle Dusserre Farrell, who competed in the 1984 games alongside Retton and has been in touch with Retton’s daughter Shayla, tells PEOPLE exclusively.
In the ’80s, Retton — who became the first American woman to win a gold medal in the all-around competition — and Dusserre Farrell shot to superstardom with teammates Julianne McNamara, Kathy Johnson, Tracee Talavera and Pam Bileck.
Pamela Bileck, Tracee Talavera, Kathy Johnson, Michelle Dusserre, Mary Lou Retton and Julianne McNamara at the 1984 Summer Olympics.Ken Regan /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Ken Regan /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
Earlier this week, Shayla’s sister McKenna first shared an Instagram post revealing their mom, 55, was currently hospitalized and “fighting for her life” in the ICU after being diagnosed with a “very rare form of pneumonia.”
Along with the news,McKenna also included a linkto a fundraising page onSpotfund, which Shayla and Retton’s two other daughters, Skyla and Emma, also posted on their Instagram accounts.
“Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details,” wrote McKenna. “However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”
In a new video posted on Wednesday, Shayla (Retton’s eldest daughter with ex-husband Shannon Kelley) thanked fans for the outpouring of “love and support” during the difficult time.
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.
source: people.com
