American gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton thanks supporters, hopes to help others

(TND) — Mary Lou Retton, who continues her road to recovery after being hospitalized because of pneumonia, shared an update on her health for the first time since before she become ill.

Her update on Monday to supporters on Instagram stated she was "overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world" as she continues in her "fight."

The American gymnastics icon was "fighting for her life" and unable to breathe on her own earlier this month, according to her family.

Retton's daughter,Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, had been sharing updates about her mother until Monday when Retton posted on her own behalf.

I'm with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process, Retton disclosed in part of her statement.

As of Monday, a fundraiser set up by Retton's family to offset medical cost has raised more than $459,000.

Retton's daughter stated noted before that her mother didn't have medical insurance.

The 55-year-old said she would be sharing more information about her health issues in hopes she can help others who may face the same battle"when the time is right."

Retton became the first American female gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Editor's Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.