Ben Askren's wife shares update on his health after he collapsed with severe pneumonia and it is not very good news!
Fans have seen legendary fighters overcome incredible odds throughout their careers, but nothing quite prepares them for when the fight moves from the cage to a hospital room. Ben Askren built his reputation as one of the toughest wrestlers and fighters in the world, competing at the highest levels of both Olympic wrestling and mixed martial arts. The man who once dominated opponents with his relentless grappling and never-back-down attitude now faces the biggest fight of his life against a completely different kind of opponent.
The 40-year-old retired UFC veteran has been hospitalized for weeks after developing severe pneumonia that has left him fighting for his life. What started as a routine illness has turned into something much more serious, requiring intensive medical intervention and leaving his family searching for hope. Askren’s wife Amy recently shared an emotional update on social media that painted a stark picture of just how critical her husband’s condition has become. The man who once seemed invincible inside the octagon now relies on machines to help him breathe, and doctors are beginning to evaluate him for a potential lung transplant.
Amy Askren’s latest update reveals the gravity of her husband’s condition. He remains on a ventilator and ECMO machine, which essentially acts as an artificial heart and lungs when a patient’s organs can’t function properly on their own. The most encouraging news comes in small victories that would have seemed insignificant just months ago. Amy shared that on good days, Ben can open his eyes and squeeze hands when doctors reduce his sedation levels.
“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.”
These moments provide glimpses of the fighter everyone knows and loves, but his body isn’t strong enough yet to handle being fully awake. The medical team has started the evaluation process for a lung transplant. Lung transplants are complex procedures that require extensive testing to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate, and even then, the wait for a donor organ can be lengthy.
The support from the fighting community has been overwhelming, with fellow fighters, coaches, and fans sending messages of encouragement. Amy’s post revealed how blessed she feels by the community surrounding their family during this difficult time. We, as fans of the sport and human beings hope and pray that Ben Askren gets well soon.
(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)
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