- More Sports. What is pneumonia, Mary Lou Retton's life-threatening illness?
- More Sports. Mary Lou Retton and the question on everyone's mind: Why didn't an Olympic champion have health insurance?
American gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton released a statement Monday via Instagram to say she is "overwhelmed with all the love and support" received while recovering from a rare form of pneumonia.
Retton, 55, explained how the recovery process takes quite some time and would appreciate if everybody respects her provacy for the time being. She did, however, thank those who continue to show support.
"I'm beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement," she wrote. "I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!
"I'm with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process. I appreciate everyone's respect of my privacy at this time."
She added that she will share more information about her health when the time is right and hopefully help others facing the same battle.
Mary Lou Retton's story of survival
Retton was hospitalized in Texas earlier this month and her daughter, McKenna Kelley, announced that the former Olympian did not have life insurance.
Kelley started a fundraising campaign to cover Retton's medical expenses, which has so far generated over $460,000.
Jim McIngvale, better known as Mattress Mack, was one of many people who helped them financially.
Retton was 16 when she became a trailblazer for the United States after winning gold at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles to make gymnastics popular nationwide.