Ben Askren's wife says he might need a lung transplant

Ben Ascle, a Heartland native and Arrowhead High School alumnus, is a former Olympic wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter who remains hospitalized on June 17th due to a severe case of pneumonia.

According to a health update shared on social media by his wife Amy, Askren may need a lung transplant. He is taking ventilators and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).

“We haven't shared updates because Ben has been a limbo for a while. We wanted him to wake up and decide what to share,” Amy Asperen wrote on her Facebook page. “I let me know that they were about to share an update and I want it to come from me.

“Ben is still supporting him to support him between ventilators and healing. Good days and bad, but they managed to pull away enough sedation to open his eyes and squeeze his hands. I can quickly and easily put him on the list at the idea that he cannot receive such a gift.

Askren, 40, former MMA One FC and Bellator Champion were originally hospitalized in Nevada, but he was moved to Wisconsin. Since the news of his severe illness, many members of the wrestling and combat sports community have shared a message of support for Askren and his family.

“Thank you for all your message and all your support,” wrote Amy Askren. “In spite of this terrible situation, I feel very blessed with the community we are surrounded by. Hold your loved one today to make sure you are ready to do this.

Askren is a two-time WIAA state champion wrestler for Arrowhead and a two-time national champion at the University of Missouri. He was a member of the 2008 Olympic wrestling team and ended his MMA career with a 19-2 record. He and Amy are parents of three children.