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Ben Askren Faces Steep Rehabilitation at Home After Double Lung Transplant

Doctors project he can enjoy a full life despite his current reliance on a walker

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Overview

  • He returned home in late July following a 59-day hospital stay that included four clinical deaths and a double lung transplant.
  • After losing about 50 pounds in a coma, he now struggles to walk without a walker and finds simple strength exercises like a five-pound curl challenging.
  • His $2 million transplant was covered by crowdfunding and donations from MMA figures such as Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal after insurers refused to pay.
  • Doctors have assured him of a healthy, active future with the potential to run marathons and regain full lung function.
  • His recovery highlights gaps in post-career medical support for fighters who depend on community fundraising when insurance falls short.