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Askren Begins Walking Again During Home Rehabilitation

Community donations to medical care fueled Askren's first steps after his double lung transplant

Overview

  • Askren has dropped below 150 pounds and is rebuilding strength while relearning basic movements in home rehab.
  • He remains vulnerable to infection due to lifelong immunosuppression and was briefly hospitalized this month for a suspected chest-tube infection.
  • Askren has no memory of May 28 to July 2 and attributed a mistaken UFC prediction to gaps from his induced coma.
  • He posts candid videos detailing daily struggles and expresses cautious optimism about staying out of the hospital and regaining health.
  • His $2–3 million transplant and aftercare costs were covered through crowdfunding and donations from fighters, promoters and fans after insurers denied coverage.