Arr, Mary Lou Retton be haulin' in a mighty treasure as she fights a fearsome ailment!
2023-10-12
Arrr! Olympian Mary Lou Retton be fightin' a most fearsome foe, a cursed pneumonia rare! "Mattress Mack" be a true matey, blessin' her with a grand sum o' $50,000! May the winds favor her recovery, me hearties!
Texas businessman Jim McIngvale, also known as "Mattress Mack," has donated $50,000 to help Olympic icon Mary Lou Retton cover the costs of her medical bills as she battles a rare form of pneumonia. The fundraiser initially aimed to raise $50,000, but it has already surpassed $349,000. McIngvale, along with his wife Linda, decided to help Retton because she does not have medical insurance. McIngvale, speaking to TMZ Sports, mentioned that his wife had gone through a similar health scare. He believes in the philosophy of "the essence of living is giving" and wants to help those in need because everyone will face difficult times at some point. The couple has been fans of Retton since her days in Houston and have always supported the gymnastics team coached by Béla and Márta Károlyi. Their children have also been involved in gymnastics. McIngvale considers Retton to be an American icon and hopes that the donation can contribute to her recovery. Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and love shown to her mother. Retton is currently in the ICU receiving excellent medical care. Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, Retton's other daughter, also expressed her appreciation for the outpouring of support and mentioned that they were not aware of how many people love her mother. The family is going through a difficult time, and the support means the world to them. The Associated Press contributed to this report.