Former UFC and Olympic athlete Ben askren has successfully undergone a double lung transplant following a sudden and severe battle with pneumonia. The life-saving surgery took place on Monday, June 30, offering a new path forward for the decorated combat sports star. His wife, Amy Askren, shared the pivotal health update, expressing profound gratitude to the anonymous donor and their family whose selfless act made the transplant possible. This marks the beginning of a challenging recovery and a significantly altered lifestyle for Askren, who just weeks prior appeared healthy.
A Sudden and Severe Health Crisis
Ben Askren’s unexpected health scare began earlier in the month. On June 7, he was admitted to the hospital with what was described as “severe pneumonia.” The illness struck rapidly, leaving him in a critical state where he was initially “unable to respond” to communication. This swift decline was particularly alarming, as his wife Amy noted the unreality of the situation, reflecting on how Ben was “walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago.” The suddenness underscored the aggressive nature of the infection.
The pneumonia, later identified as being caused by a staph infection according to reports, severely impacted his lungs. Within about a week of hospitalization, Ben Askren’s condition worsened. Doctors found it necessary to place him on a ventilator to assist his breathing. His respiratory failure was so significant that he also required support from an ECMO machine (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a crucial life support technique that oxygenates blood outside the body when the lungs cannot.
The Urgent Need for a Transplant
Despite aggressive medical intervention, Ben Askren’s lungs were not healing sufficiently. The persistent severe pneumonia meant that a transplant became the necessary, urgent path forward. Evaluation for a lung transplant began shortly after his condition stabilized enough for the process. His wife Amy documented the daunting prospect publicly, expressing her awe at the potential gift of life and her conviction that Ben would be a worthy recipient.
The evaluation moved quickly given the critical nature of his illness. On June 24, Ben Askren was officially placed on the national lung transplant list. This step signified that his condition was severe enough to warrant transplantation and that he met the strict criteria. While waiting for a matching donor, Amy Askren appealed for prayers for her husband’s strength and stability. She also requested prayers for the donor and their family, highlighting the immense sacrifice involved.
The Call and the Surgery
The wait for a matching donor proved relatively short. Just days after being listed, a suitable match was found. The complex and life-saving double lung transplant surgery was performed on June 30 in Wisconsin. Amy Askren shared the successful outcome with the public, bringing a wave of relief to their family, friends, and the vast community of combat sports fans who had followed his health battle anxiously.
In announcing the news, Amy reiterated her family’s profound gratitude. “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family,” she wrote, acknowledging the immeasurable gift of the new lungs. The success of the surgery marked a significant turning point, moving Ben from critical respiratory failure towards a challenging, but hopeful, recovery phase.
Beginning a New Chapter and Lifestyle
Receiving a double lung transplant is not a cure, but rather the start of a demanding recovery and a lifelong commitment to managing the new organs. Amy Askren candidly described the transplant as “the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben.” She emphasized the preciousness of each day ahead, stating that “every new day he has is a gift.” The recovery process will involve extensive rehabilitation, immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection, and regular medical monitoring.
Early signs following the surgery offered glimpses of hope. While still unable to speak directly or respond to messages immediately after the procedure due to recovery and medication, small interactions signaled his mental state. Amy shared a touching anecdote about Ben mouthing words that family eventually deciphered as him asking for coffee – a simple request that provided immense relief and confirmed his mind remained sharp despite his physical ordeal.
The hospital room environment reflected the overwhelming support surrounding him. Amy shared photos of the walls adorned with heartfelt drawings, letters, and pictures from family and friends. One hopeful message displayed prominently read, “You have new lungs,” surrounded by hearts, symbolizing the love and optimism supporting his journey. Amy looks forward to sharing the extent of this support with Ben as he becomes more alert, expressing hope that he might eventually provide his own health updates when he feels ready.
Outpouring of Community Support
Ben Askren’s health crisis resonated deeply within the combat sports world and beyond. The news of his severe illness, need for a transplant, and subsequent surgery prompted an outpouring of prayers and well wishes from fans, fellow athletes, and prominent figures. This widespread support has been a source of strength for the Askren family.
Notable figures publicly offered their support. Former boxing opponent Jake Paul stated his prayers were with Ben and his family. UFC President Dana White highlighted the significant financial burden associated with such complex medical procedures, noting that insurance often doesn’t cover the estimated $300,000–$400,000 costs and urging fans to contribute to support efforts for the family facing these expenses. The community response underscored the respect and affection held for Askren.
Ben Askren’s Enduring Legacy
Before this health battle, Ben Askren was known for his resilience and unique persona within combat sports. A two-time NCAA wrestling champion for the University of Missouri, where he is an Hall of Famer, he also represented the United States as a wrestler in the 2008 Olympics. He transitioned to mixed martial arts, achieving championship status in both Bellator and ONE Championship with an undefeated record before joining the UFC in 2019.
His UFC tenure was brief, marked by a high-profile debut win against Robbie Lawler and subsequent losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia. He announced his retirement from MMA in late 2019, citing long-standing hip issues that required surgery – a previous health challenge he navigated. Askren later returned to competition for a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021. Through his diverse career, Askren consistently demonstrated incredible toughness and determination. His current health challenge presents perhaps his greatest fight yet, one requiring a different kind of strength and perseverance. He has been married to his wife Amy since 2010, and they have three children, Alex, Andy, and Ozzi.
The journey ahead for Ben Askren is long and complex. Recovery from a double lung transplant involves significant physical and emotional hurdles. Accepting new organs, navigating immunosuppression, and regaining strength and independence are major undertakings. However, the successful surgery is a monumental step, offering the possibility of restored health and many more years with his family. The prayers and support from around the globe continue as Ben Askren embarks on this critical new chapter, demonstrating the power of community in facing extraordinary challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Ben Askren needing a double lung transplant?
Ben Askren’s need for a double lung transplant stemmed from a severe, rapidly developing case of pneumonia. The infection, reported to be caused by a staph bacteria, critically damaged his lungs. Despite being a healthy athlete, his condition deteriorated quickly after hospitalization on June 7, requiring ventilator and ECMO support as his lungs failed. When medical treatments couldn’t reverse the damage, a transplant became the only viable option to save his life.
What are the immediate steps and outlook following Ben Askren’s lung transplant surgery?
Immediately following a double lung transplant, Ben Askren faces a critical period focused on recovery and ensuring his body accepts the new organs. This involves close monitoring in intensive care, managing pain, preventing infection, and beginning rehabilitation. The outlook involves navigating a long recovery process, potentially weeks or months in the hospital and rehab, followed by a lifetime of immunosuppressant medication and regular check-ups. His wife described it as the start of a “new lifestyle.”
How did his family and the MMA community react and support Ben Askren?
Ben Askren’s family, particularly his wife Amy, provided constant support, sharing updates and rallying prayers from their community. Amy’s Facebook posts documented the journey from hospitalization to transplant listing and successful surgery, expressing deep gratitude for support and the donor. The broader MMA community and fans worldwide offered an outpouring of well wishes and prayers. Figures like Jake Paul sent support, and UFC President Dana White highlighted the significant financial need, encouraging donations to help the family with medical costs.
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