The wrestling and mixed martial arts community has united to support one of their own as former UFC star Ben Askren battles severe pneumonia while awaiting potential lung transplant evaluation.
A fundraising campaign through Rudis, has been established to assist with Ben’s mounting medical expenses. The North-Central Transplant Fund is collecting donations specifically for the Delafield, Wisconsin resident as he remains hospitalized on a ventilator.
“Ben is still on a ventilator and echo to support him while he heals,” his wife Amy shared in a recent Facebook update. “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.”
Amy first announced in early June that Ben had developed severe pneumonia and was unable to respond. The situation has progressed to where medical teams are beginning the evaluation process for a lung transplant.
“I’m still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant,” Amy explained. “Please pray for his continued healing, and if transplant is the solution, that he can get on the list quickly and easily. 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.”
The fundraising effort highlights Ben’s extensive contributions to wrestling and mixed martial arts. Described as a “FATHER. COACH. FIGHTER,” Ben has dedicated his life to developing others both on the mat and in coaching roles. The two-time NCAA Champion, Olympian, and beloved coach has spent years inspiring the next generation of athletes.
You can either donate directly or purchase a shirt with the full proceeds going to the Askren family.
Ben’s athletic accomplishments span multiple disciplines. He won two NCAA championships as a wrestler at Missouri and competed for the United States in the 2008 Olympics. He was a four-time All-American for the Tigers and is a member of the Missouri Hall of Fame. His MMA career concluded with a 19-2 record when he retired in 2019.
The wrestling community has rallied around Ben’s family during this difficult time. Limited-edition “Funky Strong, Funky Tough” t-shirts have been created specifically to support Ben and his family, with 100% of proceeds going directly toward his medical expenses and recovery.
Amy expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support during this challenging period. “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,” she wrote.
The fundraising campaign represents the wrestling and MMA community’s opportunity to support someone who has given extensively to the sport throughout his career.
