“DWTS”' Sasha Farber Says He Texted with Mary Lou Retton as She's in ICU, Told Her 'Fight Harder Than Ever'

Retton and Farber danced as partners during the show's 27th season in 2018

Mary Lou Retton's friends and family are thinking of her as the former Olympic gold medalist remains hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia.

After Retton's daughter McKenna Kelley said her 55-year-old mother is "fighting for her life" in the ICU on Tuesday, Retton's former Dancing with the Stars partner, Sasha Farber, tells PEOPLE he reached out to the former gymnast via text.

Farber, 39, shares, "I spoke to my Sweet Mary Lou over text, during the show, and I reminded her that she needs to fight harder than ever, there is only ONE Mary Lou and that she has got this."

Farber, who danced with Retton on the show's 27th season in 2018, says he "sent her pictures from our season and she said this made her smile," on Wednesday.

Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider, a competitor of Retton's during season 27, also shared his thoughts on the news of her hospitalization on Wednesday.

Schneider, 63, tells PEOPLE, "Not only is Mary Lou one of my fellow Dancing with the Stars alumni but she has been part of Children’s Miracle Network hospital for decades. I’ve never met anyone stronger with more zest for life."

"I feel confident that this amazing yet tiny powerhouse will pull through," he continued. "I love you, Mary Lou, and remain one of your tallest fans!"

Related: Mary Lou Retton's Daughter Gives Update, Says the Former Olympian Is 'Still Fighting'

On Wednesday, Retton's eldest daughter Shayla Kelley Schrepfer told PEOPLE, “Our number one concern is the well being of our mom.”

Schrepfer also provided an update on Retton's condition in a video on Instagram. “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 said. “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.”

Related: Mary Lou Retton's Daughter on Olympian's 'Groundbreaking' Gymnastics Career: 'She's Just Mom'

According to the Associated Press, Retton is being treated at a hospital in Texas. The Olympic champion gymnast has been a longtime resident of Houston since moving to the area for her training in the 80s.

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A Spotfund page was set up to help Retton, who is uninsured according to her daughter McKenna Kelley, with hospital bills. The fundraiser's initial goal of $50,000 was surpassed less than one day later and as of Wednesday, has collected over $285,000.

Retton's generous backers have offered more than just their financial support. Comments on the fundraiser have been pouring in with thoughtful messages for Retton and her family to accompany the donations.

One user who donated $20 to Retton said, "GET WELL MARY LOU!! You are America’s Sweet Heart and we are all rooting for you!"

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