Health Update on Ben Askren Provided by His Wife
Ben Askren’s Wife Shares Concerning Health Update
The wife of retired UFC fighter Ben Askren has provided a public update regarding his serious health condition. Askren, 40, is currently hospitalized in Wisconsin after being diagnosed with pneumonia. According to the update, he remains sedated and is receiving support from a ventilator. Doctors are continuing to monitor his condition closely, and there is a possibility that he may require a lung transplant in the future.
“I haven’t shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share,” Amy Askren wrote on her personal Facebook page. “I’ve had some media people contact me that they are going to share an update and I would rather it come from me.
“Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can’t handle coming off sedation too much yet. I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for lung transplant.”
“Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily,” Askren said. “I know transplants are such a blessing and I’m overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben.
“Thank you for every message and all of the support. Despite this awful situation, I’m feeling so blessed by the community we’re surrounded by. Give your loved ones a hug today and make sure you’re prepared situations like this. Ben is the healthiest guy I know and I never could have expected this.”
Paul Browne is a professional mixed martial arts commentator, feature writer and podcaster based in Dublin, Ireland.
