Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ben Askren Undergoes Double Lung Transplant, Enters Recovery

Supporters have rallied to fund the transplant after his insurance provider refused coverage

Ben Askren has undergone a double lung transplant after battling sudden pneumonia.
Image
Mixed Martial Arts - Ultimate Fighting Championship - UFC - O2 Arena, London, Britain - March 16, 2019   Ben Askren talks to the media    REUTERS/Matthew Childs/File Photo
Image

Overview

  • The former MMA champion and Olympic wrestler received the operation on June 30 and is now in recovery under medical supervision.
  • He had been hospitalized since June 7 with severe pneumonia from a staph infection and depended on ECMO and ventilator support.
  • He was added to the transplant waiting list on June 24 following days on life support that convinced doctors his lungs could not recover.
  • His wife, Amy Askren, has provided regular condition updates and publicly thanked the donor’s family for the lifesaving gift.
  • Fundraising efforts have raised over $500,000 to cover medical costs after his insurer refused to pay for the transplant.