Legendary Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Defends Daughters After Backlash Over Fundraiser For Her Medical Bills!
24.05.2024 - 02:35
/ perezhilton.com
Mary Lou Retton won’t stand for anyone criticizing her daughters after they started a fundraiser to pay her medical bills!
In October, the legendary gymnast was “fighting for her life” in the intensive care unit with a rare form of pneumonia. Her 26-year-old daughter McKenna — on behalf of herself and her three sisters — started a SpotFund campaign asking for donations to help with the hospital bills amid the health battle. More than 10,000 donors graciously contributed to the fundraiser, with nearly $500,000 raised. Amazing! And while many people were willing to help Mary, others slammed the four women for launching the crowdsourcing fund and questioned if the family really needed financial assistance.
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Months later, Mary now defended her daughters from the “trolls” who blasted them for the fundraiser! She said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday:
The Olympian explained her finances first took a hit following her divorce in 2018. Things got worse when COVID-19 hit, impacting her job as a public speaker. On top of not making much money anymore, she also did not have insurance at the time. Mary continued:
Oof. For any doubters, she insisted the money went to her treatment. Whatever is left over will go to the American Lung Association. And no matter what anyone says, Mary is thankful for her daughters for getting her through this tough journey so far:
Sadly, her health battle isn’t over yet. She still has a “very long recovery” ahead of her, which will be costly! Mary shared with the outlet that “it’s been hard,” adding:
We’re sending so much love and strength to Mary amid her recovery! Watch the gold medalist open up