In a heartfelt update, Sasha Farber, Mary Lou Retton’s former partner from "Dancing With the Stars," has shared the latest news regarding the Olympic gold-medal gymnast’s health. Here is everything you need to know about Mary Lou Retton’s current health scare.
The Health Scare
Mary Lou Retton has been battling a severe health condition that led to her hospitalization for over a week. She contracted "a very rare form of pneumonia," as confirmed by her daughter, McKenna Kelley. The gymnastics legend’s health struggles have been challenging, and her family is now seeking support to cover her medical expenses due to a lack of insurance.
> "She is not able to breathe on her own," Kelley wrote. "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. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”
A Pro Dancer’s Support
Sasha Farber, who partnered with Mary Lou Retton during the 27th season of "Dancing With the Stars" in 2018, is not only a dance partner but also a close friend to Retton. After a recent episode of the show, Farber shared his thoughts with "Entertainment Tonight." He revealed that he had been in contact with Retton throughout this challenging period.
> "I’ve been talking to her today, and she’s fighting," Farber said. "She kind of wants to give up, but I’m sending her videos of her dancing and I’m telling her, ‘There’s only one Mary Lou Retton. You’ve got this!’”
Farber also emphasized the importance of staying connected with loved ones, citing an instance when Retton invited him for dinner in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, he had prior rehearsals, but he highlighted the significance of reaching out to those we care about.
Family’s Gratitude
McKenna Kelley, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter, has been actively updating well-wishers on her mother’s condition through Instagram. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the overwhelming love and support they’ve received.
> "Mom is in the ICU and continues to fight. She is getting incredible medical care! Thank you to all the doctors and nurses," Kelley shared. She concluded her update by asking for "continued prayers and positive thoughts for our Mom.”
A Gymnastic Legend
Mary Lou Retton, aged 55, is celebrated as an Olympic bronze, silver, and gold medalist. Her iconic performance at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles made her the first American woman to win gold in gymnastics. Throughout her career, she collected more Olympic medals than any other athlete at the ’84 Games, setting a remarkable standard in the world of gymnastics.
Retton’s achievements extend beyond the Olympics; she is the only woman to win three American Cups and the sole U.S. gymnast to clinch victory at Japan’s Chunichi Cup. Her incredible contributions to the sport led to her induction into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
A Community of Support
As of late Wednesday evening, McKenna Kelley’s fundraising campaign surpassed the initial $50,000 goal and soared to $320,699. Among the generous contributors was Linda McIngvale, the wife of Texas businessman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, who offered a significant donation of $50,000 toward Mary Lou Retton’s recovery.
The outpouring of support from the community, fellow gymnasts, and fans around the world is a testament to the lasting impact Mary Lou Retton has had on the world of sports and the lives she has touched.
Mary Lou Retton’s ‘DWTS’ partner shares gymnast’s health update, highlighting the gymnastics legend’s battle with a rare form of pneumonia and the unwavering support from her family, friends, and the broader community.
Impact of Medical Fundraising and Community Support for Retton
Is Mary Lou Retton a ‘DWTS’ dancer?
Mary Lou Retton, the celebrated Olympic gymnast, embarked on a dance journey in the popular show ‘Dancing With the Stars’ (DWTS). Her dance partner, Sasha Farber, considers her family and has been actively supporting her throughout her hospitalization. Farber shared that he maintains a close connection with the former gymnast, often sending her videos of her dancing. This strong bond between Retton and her DWTS partner highlights the deep relationships that can develop on and off the dance floor in the world of entertainment.
Who is Mary Lou Retton partner Sasha Farber?
Meet Mary Lou Retton’s Partner: Sasha Farber
Mary Lou Retton’s partner on "Dancing With the Stars" is none other than the talented Sasha Farber. In a recent update, Sasha Farber shared crucial information about the former Olympic gold-medal gymnast’s health condition. Retton faced a serious health scare, leading to her hospitalization for over a week. She contracted an exceptionally rare form of pneumonia, as reported by her daughter. Sasha Farber’s support for Mary Lou Retton both on and off the dance floor underscores the strong bonds that develop among participants in the world of entertainment.
Did DWTS partner Retton get a health update?
DWTS Partner’s Health Update: A Look at the Video
Curious about Mary Lou Retton’s health update from her former DWTS partner, Sasha Farber? You can watch the video posted below to get an insight into her condition. McKenna Kelley, Retton’s daughter, initiated an online fundraiser to support her mother’s hospitalization expenses since the Olympian didn’t have medical insurance to cover the costs. Farber’s update provides a valuable glimpse into the ongoing efforts to aid Retton during this challenging period.
What happened to Mary Lou Retton?
Mary Lou Retton’s Hospitalization: Rare Pneumonia Battle
What happened to Mary Lou Retton? The Olympic champion finds herself hospitalized, grappling with an unusual form of pneumonia. Her condition is so severe that she’s described as "fighting for her life" within the confines of the ICU. Mary Lou Retton, known for her iconic achievements, notably as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars Season 27, where she was partnered with the professional dancer Sasha Farber, is now facing a challenging health crisis. The gymnastics legend’s battle with this rare pneumonia has garnered widespread concern and support.
What is going on with Mary Lou Retton?
Understanding Mary Lou Retton’s Health Battle
What is going on with Mary Lou Retton? The daughters of the Olympic gold medalist have expressed their desire to maintain privacy concerning their mother’s current health situation. Mary Lou Retton is engaged in a strenuous battle with a rare strain of pneumonia, necessitating her stay in an intensive care unit. The family’s decision to keep details private underscores the challenging nature of her condition and their focus on her recovery.“`
How did Mary Lou Retton do on Dancing with the Stars?
Mary Lou Retton’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Journey
How did Mary Lou Retton do on Dancing with the Stars? In 2018, Retton participated in the 27th season of ABC’s beloved dance competition, "Dancing with the Stars." Her journey on the show was filled with enthusiasm as she teamed up with professional dancer Sasha Farber. Although they were the fifth couple to be eliminated from the competition, Retton expressed, "This has been the time of my life," highlighting the cherished experience she had during her time on the show.
