Former mixed martial arts fighter Ben Askren has successfully undergone a double lung transplant, according to his wife.
Askren had been hospitalized for several weeks battling a severe case of pneumonia. Approximately a week prior, his wife, Amy Askren, had shared an update confirming that Ben was “officially on the transplant list” for his lungs.
On Monday morning, Amy Askren provided further details on her Facebook page, announcing that the surgery for the former UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship competitor was successful.
“We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant,” Amy wrote. “We are forever thankful to the donor and his family. This is the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, but every new day he has is a gift. It still doesn’t feel real that he was walking around completely healthy just 5 weeks ago. So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now. I can’t wait to tell Ben all about It.
“I’m hopeful that in coming weeks Ben will be able to give the next update, but hopefully he will wait until the drugs wear off.”
Askren`s hospitalization followed a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, which required him to be placed on a ventilator and an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine to support his lungs. The MMA community has consistently offered prayers and support following each health update, which appears to have significantly helped.
Even Askren’s former opponent, Jake Paul, had expressed intentions to contribute financially towards Askren`s medical treatment following his recent boxing victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Anaheim.
Wesley Dunham