Former Mizzou Tigers wrestler shares positive update after double lung transplant
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ben Askren regains strength following successful double lung transplant in June.
- Pneumonia in May led to hospitalization and rapid progression to transplant surgery.
- Mizzou wrestling community offers strong support during Askren’s recovery process.
Former Mizzou wrestling star and MMA fighter Ben Askren said he is regaining strength after his double lung transplant and thanked well-wishers for their outpouring of support in a video update posted on Instagram Wednesday afternoon.
Askren’s health battle began with a serious bout of pneumonia that led to his hospitalization in late May. On June 17, his wife, Amy Askren, shared the news that her husband might require a lung transplant.
Askren joined the transplant list several days later and underwent a successful double lung transplant on June 30. He shared in the Instagram update that he had no recollection of the events from May 28 to July 2 but said he read through his wife’s journal.
“I got the double lung transplant,” Askren said in the video. “I made it out to the other side of it. I’m gaining quite a bit of strength. I’m learning to use everything again.”
The news surrounding Askren’s health had a significant impact on the Missouri Tigers wrestling community. Askren has remained connected to former teammates and coaches in addition to returning multiple times each year to help run practices and mentor athletes in Columbia.
Former teammates have been by Askren’s side throughout his time in the hospital.
Askren thanked the wrestling community for its outpouring of love. He added that he is more motivated than ever to get back and help others.
“It’s been tough,” he said at the end of the video. “Not only on me but on my whole family and my close community, so I appreciate everything.”
