Ben Askren’s Journey of Faith and Resilience After Double Lung Transplant
Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is sharing his inspiring journey of faith and recovery following a life-changing double lung transplant. After battling a severe case of pneumonia that led to a medically induced coma, Askren woke up with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to Christianity.
In a recent interview with FloWrestling, the former Olympic wrestler detailed the harrowing experience that changed his life. "There were multiple moments when they thought I was dead. I woke up and decided to embrace Christianity. It feels surreal," he shared.
For 15 years, Askren accompanied his wife to church, but he never felt a genuine calling to faith—until now. "I said, ‘I’m not Christian, but I’ll support you.’ It was strange waking up and feeling compelled to make that leap," he explained. His newfound faith has instilled a deep sense of gratitude for those who supported him during his recovery. "So many friends donated money, watched our kids, and provided meals. I am incredibly thankful for everyone around me," he added.
In May, Askren initially went to the hospital thinking he was suffering from back pain. However, by June, his condition worsened dramatically, leading to him being placed on a ventilator and subsequently added to the lung transplant list on June 24. The surgery was successful, and Askren has taken to social media to keep fans updated on his recovery progress. Recently, he proudly announced he completed "almost three laps today" around the hospital floor, expressing hope for his ongoing journey. "Making good progress. I hope you all are doing well in your lives too," he stated.
At 40 years old, Askren has a storied athletic career, having won NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 and representing Team USA at the 2008 Olympics. He also secured gold medals at the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships. After transitioning to MMA, he made his debut in Bellator in 2010, later competing in ONE Championship and the UFC. His last fight was a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2021, where he faced a first-round knockout.
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