Overview

• A staph infection on his elbow entered his bloodstream and caused necrotizing pneumonia, leading to ventilator and ECMO support, a 45-day coma, and four cardiac arrests.
• Doctors concluded a double lung transplant was the only option; he underwent surgery in late June, lost more than 50 pounds, and has no memory of May 28 to July 2.
• Askren said Jake Paul and Dana White donated toward his expenses, while more than a thousand fans and fighters contributed through fundraisers.
• He said his wife, Amy, shielded their children from how dire the situation was and managed his care and insurance complications.
• Months later he is recovering at home on immunosuppressants, reports severe fatigue that limits daily activity, and continues close outpatient follow-up for infection risks.