Amy, the wife of former UFC fighter Ben Askren, posted on Facebook Monday that her husband had received a double lung transplant.
Amy first reported that Askren was unable to react to anything in early June due to a severe case of pneumonia.
In the weeks afterward, he has not only been added to the lung transplant list but has also continued to make progress. Now, he has been given two lung transplants.
The news that Ben has had a double lung transplant fills us with immense gratitude. The donor and his family have our eternal gratitude. Amy wrote in a post that although Ben is starting a new lifestyle, each day is a blessing. Five weeks ago, he was walking around in perfect health, and it still feels unreal. Things may change so fast. We ask that you pray for Ben so that his body accepts the new lungs as though they were his own. I am continuously amazed by everyone who is helping us get through this difficult time. I’m eager to share everything with Ben.
Ben should wait until the effects of the medication wear off, but I’m hoping he’ll be able to provide the next report in the upcoming weeks.”
Ben Askren has been in the hospital for weeks after being placed on a ventilator early this month.
Before retiring in 2019, he had a 19-2 record at the end of his MMA career.
In addition to competing in mixed martial arts, Askren was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic squad and won two NCAA wrestling titles while attending Missouri. He was a four-time All-American for the Tigers and is inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame.
Amy and their family have found Ben’s illness and the difficulties it has caused to be startling.
Earlier this month, she said on Facebook, “Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared [for] situations like this.” I never would have guessed that Ben would be the healthiest person I know.
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