Overview

• Ben Askren has shown periods of consciousness and even mouthed requests for “coffee” as he battles severe pneumonia caused by a staph infection
• He was added to the national double lung transplant list on June 23 after ventilator and ECMO support proved insufficient
• Askren’s insurance provider has denied coverage for the estimated $300,000–$500,000 surgery, creating a major financial shortfall
• A GoFundMe page, Rudis “Funky Strong, Funky Tough” T-shirt sales and a Help Hope Live campaign have raised over $34,000 toward his medical bills
• Hometown tributes in Hartland, prayers from Jake Paul and a UFC-linked donation link shared by Dana White underscore broad support as he awaits a donor match and lifelong immunosuppressant therapy