Video: Mary Lou Retton Explains Why She Was Uninsured and Needed a Fundraiser During Pneumonia Battle
The Olympic gold medalist spoke out for the first time about her experience battling a rare form of pneumonia last fall
Mary Lou Retton is speaking out about the financial fallout following her hospitalization for a rare form of pneumonia last fall.
In an interview with Hoda Kotb on the Todayshow Monday, the beloved former gymnast explained that “she couldn’t afford” insurance prior to her multi-week hospital stay in the ICU — and that’s why her daughters began a fundraising campaign on her behalf.
“When COVID hit and after my divorce, and all my pre-existing — I’ve had over 30 operations of orthopedic stuff — I couldn’t afford it,” Retton, 55, said. “I couldn’t afford it. But who would even know that this was going to happen to me? That’s the bottom line, I couldn’t afford it.”
Kotb then questioned how it came to pass that “America’s sweetheart,” the 1984 Olympic gold medalist who won the hearts of a worldwide audience — and later multitudes of product endorsements — didn’t have insurance.
“It does show you, so many people are all alike in so many ways,” Kotb said.
“Oh, yes, yes,” Retton agreed. “Life goes on, things happen, and I just wasn’t able to do it.”
The mother of four daughters — McKenna, Skyla and Emma Kelley and Shayla Schrepfer — then added about her newly insured status: “I’m all set now.”
Legendary Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton speaks exclusively to @hodakotb about the fight for her life with a rare form of pneumonia that landed her in the ICU for a month and the outpouring support from her fans. “I have so much to look forward to. I’m a fighter.” pic.twitter.com/WiYj2BKbIl
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 8, 2024
In October, McKenna first shared the news of her mom’s health in a post on her Instagram Story, whichincluded a link to a fundraising pageon Spotfund.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” McKenna wrote in a message on the fundraising page at the time. “She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”
On the Today show during Monday’s interview, Shayla sat by her mom’s side and gave more insight about their need for financial assistance during Retton’s health battle.
“We were just thinking, if she pulls through, the last thing we want her to have to think about is paying these bills or doing anything like that,” Shayla, 28, said.
As support mounted for the Olympic icon, the campaign resonated with fans and followers around the world, ultimately raising more than $459,000. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee alsopledged its support at the time.
In an interview withUSA Todaythat was published over the weekend, McKenna explained more about the impetus behind the fundraiser — and that the family was “overwhelmed” by its success.
“I don’t know if that’s ignorant of us or if that was just sweet,” McKenna, 26, said. “This was not supposed to be a big media thing. … We didn’t even think about what this would turn into. It was simply four daughters who felt helpless who wanted to help their mom who knew that this would help take a burden off.”
After all of Retton’s medical bills are paid, McKenna told USA Today that “all remaining funds” would be donated to a charity of her mother’s choice, but the two declined to share how much of the money has been spent or what amount would be donated.
