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Brett Okamoto
Former MMA and beginner wrestling champion Ben Askren is being evaluated for a potential lung transplant, based on his spouse.
Askren, 40, stays hospitalized in his dwelling state of Wisconsin due to extreme pneumonia. In line with his spouse, Amy, he’s on a ventilator and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) however has been capable of open his eyes and squeeze palms.
“I have never shared an replace as a result of Ben has been in limbo for some time and I hoped to have him get up and be the one to determine what to share,” Amy wrote on Fb.
“I am nonetheless praying for a miracle together with his present lungs, however they’re presently beginning the analysis course of for a lung transplant. Please pray for his continued therapeutic, and if transplant is the answer, that he can get on the listing rapidly and simply. I do know transplants are such a blessing and I am overwhelmed on the considered him receiving a present like that. Nobody would take higher care of that present than Ben.”
Askren fought his complete skilled profession out of Hartland, Wisconsin, and he runs a wrestling academy out of the world. He retired from MMA in 2019 and was additionally a two-time NCAA Division I champion in wrestling and a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic staff. He and Amy have three youngsters collectively.
“Thanks for each message and the entire assist,” Amy wrote. “Regardless of this terrible state of affairs, I am feeling so blessed by the group we’re surrounded by. Give your family members a hug at the moment and ensure you’re ready for conditions like this. Ben is the healthiest man I do know and I by no means may have anticipated this.”