Legendary Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is still fighting a mysterious lung illness that has yet to be fully diagnosed, seven months she was hospitalized.
The 56-year-old continues to use oxygen tubes daily in order to breathe, suffering from what doctors are calling a rare type of pneumonia, she told “Entertainment Tonight” in an interview published Wednesday.
“They still don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said.
Reflecting on her mental health, she added, “I’m not a really depressed person, but this experience really changed me mentally and I’ve been struggling with that.”
Despite the struggles, Retton remains positive.
“I have a lot to look forward to, and I know that,” she affirmed.
Her health troubles began Oct. 10, when she experienced a lung-related episode that was depriving her brain of oxygen.
She was nearly put on a ventilator and at one point her four daughters were told to say their goodbyes.
The family did not give up hope, though, and decided to seek financial help through crowdfunding, sharing with the world that their mother lacked health insurance.
Retton received almost $500,000 in donations, eventually gaining health insurance from USA Gymnastics and returning home from the hospital on Oct. 23.
In a an Instagram post a week later, Retton wrote, “I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from this world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!”
The former gymnast is best known for competing at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal for her sport.
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