Ben Askren, the former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler renowned for his unconventional grappling prowess and unwavering determination, has recently shared the astonishing details of his recovery from a life-threatening health ordeal. After undergoing a double lung transplant following a severe bout of pneumonia, Askren`s first public comments reveal a harrowing journey through extended unconsciousness, multiple near-death experiences, and a profound rediscovery of life.
A Blank Canvas of Memory: Recalling the Unremembered
For several weeks, the period spanning from May 28 to July 2 remains a complete blank for Askren. “No recollection. No idea. No idea what happened,” he stated, illustrating the profound impact of his critical condition. His understanding of this lost time comes solely from reading his wife Amy’s detailed journals—a sobering narrative that, to him, reads more like a dramatic film script than a personal medical history. This detachment from his own suffering provides a unique, almost analytical perspective on having been at the very brink of mortality, as if observing a stranger`s struggle with grim fascination.
Defying the Odds: Four Times Over
In a remark delivered with his characteristic understated humor, Askren casually mentioned,
“I only died four times where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.”
While such a statement from anyone else might be cause for immediate alarm and a detailed medical debrief, from Askren, it underscores the sheer resilience that has defined his athletic career. His heart, the very engine of an elite athlete, ceased beating on multiple occasions, each instance a brief, terrifying dance with the absolute end. Yet, each time, meticulous medical intervention brought him back from the precipice, a testament to the dedicated team fighting for his life.
The Physical Gauntlet: A Striking Transformation
The toll on Askren’s body was immense. His extensive hospitalization resulted in a staggering 50-pound weight loss over just 45 days, bringing him down to a mere 147 pounds—a weight he hadn`t seen since his early teenage years. This dramatic physical transformation highlights the intensity of the battle his body waged against the severe illness. Now, the arduous process of rebuilding strength, regaining muscle mass, and relearning basic bodily functions has begun, marking a challenging yet hopeful new phase of his recovery.
A Second Breath: The Double Lung Transplant
The critical turning point in Askren’s battle came with the double lung transplant, a complex and demanding procedure that offered him a desperately needed second chance at life. While the immediate danger of infection and organ rejection remains a significant concern in the initial post-operative days, the successful transplant has moved him from a critical, life-threatening state to a clear, albeit lengthy, path of recovery. The journey ahead is still demanding, often spanning many months of intensive rehabilitation, but the vital organ replacement has provided the necessary foundation for healing and a return to a semblance of normal life.
An Unforeseen “Funeral” of Love: Community`s Embrace
Perhaps the most unexpected and profoundly moving aspect of his ordeal, Askren noted, was the overwhelming outpouring of support he received from across the globe. He described it quite poignantly as “almost like I got to have my own funeral,” a unique and unprecedented opportunity to experience the depth of love and appreciation typically reserved for remembrance services after one has passed. The wrestling community, in particular, rallied with immense fervor, demonstrating the powerful bonds forged through shared passion, struggle, and mutual respect. This collective embrace, he admits, provided a profound source of comfort and motivation during his most challenging moments, offering a truly live eulogy of sorts that he was fortunate enough to hear.
A Testament to Resilience and Gratitude
Ben Askren`s harrowing experience serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the profound, healing impact of community support. From battling severe pneumonia and enduring multiple cardiac arrests to undergoing a life-altering double lung transplant, his journey from extended unconsciousness to articulate gratitude is nothing short of remarkable. As he continues his demanding recovery, his story resonates not just with fans of combat sports, but with anyone who understands the fundamental fight for life itself and the enduring power of compassion and collective human spirit.
