Mary Lou Retton is on the mend, according to her daughters.
Earlier this month, the iconic former gymnast, 55, was admitted to the hospital, where she has since been in the ICU battling a rare form of pneumonia.
Now, in a statement shared on Instagram Saturday by her daughters Shayla and McKenna, the duo wrote, “We’re thrilled to share some uplifting updates! Mom’s progress is truly remarkable! Prayers have been felt and have been answered.”
“Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is truly shining! Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing,” they continued. “Though it’s a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She’s responding so well to treatments.”
“Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love and support,” Shayla and McKenna added.
Retton’s recent health news was first disclosed by McKenna in a post on her Instagram Story, which included a link to a Spotfund page dedicated to her mom.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” she wrote in a message on the fundraising page.
“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,” McKenna continued.
“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,” she concluded.
Earlier this week, Shayla — who is Retton’s eldest daughter — told PEOPLE, “Our number one concern is the well being of our mom. That being said, being by her side is our first priority.”
In a video shared on Instagram Wednesday, Shayla added that her mom is “still fighting.”
“It’s gonna be a day by day process, and we hope that you guys will respect her boundaries because we want to keep the details between her and our family right now,” she noted.
Shayla added, “She’s been treated by the best of the best professionals here and it has been such a blessing to have their hands on her, so please continue the prayers and we cannot thank you enough for the love and support that you guys have shown.”
Alongside McKenna and Shayla, Retton also shares daughters Skyla and Emma with ex-husband Shannon Kelley.
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