Ben Askren GoFundMe raises over $16,000 as MMA star thanks supporters including Jake Paul amid recovery
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Ben Askren (Image via Instagram/@benaskren)Ben Askren, 41, recently underwent a life-saving medical journey after suffering from severe pneumonia. According to multiple reports surfacing on the internet, he had a double lung transplant surgery. His surgery was successful, and he has been discharged from the hospital as well. Presently, he is at his home and recovering.
The professional boxer now has a new pair of lungs. While the operation and the changes in his life might sound concerning, his doctors busted all the stressful myths, noting that he can certainly live a long life in a healthy body, according to a report by TMZ.
GoFundMe campaign for Ben Askren received over $16,000
Daniel Vallimont organized a GoFundMe initiative for the former professional mixed martial artist and kept him as the beneficiary. With a target to raise $24,000, Daniel aims to support Ben's "road to recovery." At the time of publishing, $16,494 has been donated by 188 people.
Throughout Askren's double lung transplant surgery procedure, Vallimont not only opened a platform to raise funds but also kept netizens updated about the athlete's well-being. In the description box of the GoFundMe donation drive, the organizer recently confirmed,
"We are excited to share the news that Ben has successfully undergone a double lung transplant and is now beginning his recovery journey. This is a significant milestone, but the road ahead is long and challenging."
Pointing out the substantial expenses incurred during recovery, he added:
"While the immediate crisis has passed, Ben now faces an extensive recovery process and ongoing medical needs. The Fanatic family is aiming to raise funds to cover critical medical costs not covered by insurance, including post-transplant care, medications, and rehabilitation. Donations will go directly toward these medical and related expenses."
Requesting well-wishers to pray for Ben and support him in this strenuous and expensive journey, Daniel also appealed:
"Ben, a beloved coach, friend, husband, and father, has shown incredible strength throughout this ordeal. We are overjoyed to see him progressing but recognize the continued support he'll need during this recovery phase. Please keep Ben in your prayers as he navigates this new chapter."
Expressing gratitude for everyone's assistance and kindness, he concluded his heartfelt message, noting,
"Every gift brings us closer to supporting Ben's full recovery and return to health. Your continued generosity will make a significant difference in his post-transplant journey. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Your kindness has been a beacon of hope for Ben and his family during this challenging time, and we are grateful for your ongoing support as he embarks on this new phase of healing."
On July 23, 2025, Daniel informed Ben's supporters that he was finally home after spending 59 days in the hospital.
A look at Ben Askren's health updates and journey to recovery
According to a People report, the former UFC fighter was admitted to the hospital on June 7. Ben's wife, Amy Askren, confirmed on Facebook about the athlete's worsening health update and his inclusion on the transplant list. Calling the life-changing operation "a huge adjustment for Ben," she also thanked her husband for's healthy mind and loved ones for reaching out and standing beside him during that challenging period.
Throughout the medical procedure and continuing to his recovery and resting phase at home, Ben Askren has been sharing videos on social media to update his fans about his health condition.
Earlier this month, he appeared in front of the camera, around a week after his double lung transplant surgery, and opened up about how the procedure has transformed him. Revealing how his heart stopped at times and that he forgot a few days from his life, as CBS Sports cited, Arksen said in the video,
"I haven't given you an update in a while. I figure you deserve one. Whenever this is all the way over -- I actually just read through my wife's journal because I don't remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection, zero idea, no idea what happened. We'll kind of go through it all. I just read through my wife's journal. It's like a movie. It's ridiculous. So, I only died four times were the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That's not ideal."
Discussing how his physical appearances and ability to perform have changed post-surgery, he said:
"But, I got the double lung transplant and made it to the other side of it. Gaining quite a bit of strength. Learning to use everything again, I was actually on a scale yesterday and 147 pounds. I haven't been 147 pounds since 15 years old. So, I lost like 50 pounds in a 45-day period. Man, that was a battle. Other than that, I don't remember most of it."
Following a long stay at the hospital, Ben Askren finally returned to his home on the 59th day. Askren documented his health journey through frequent video logs. In a recent entry, he shared regular insights, mentioning:
"I am where I am right now, but I’m going to be somewhere different in a month. I’m going to work my a** off and I’m going to get better. And so, why can’t you too? What are you waiting for? There’s barely anybody in as low a physical condition as me right now."
As reported by Hindustan Times, Askren is learning to walk again. His condition has been gradually improving as he has started eating on his own and even making his bed. Throughout this recovery journey, his wife and children have been by his side, offering constant support.
In his Saturday video, Ben opened up about losing significant weight and the "physical challenges" he has been facing since his operation. Showing the difficulties in performing a 5lb curl, he also shared:
"But as a result of starting I'm going to end up somewhere different. So those of you who aren’t started? Get your butt moving, get started. I've only got one way to go, you do too. Let's make it happen."
After returning home, Ben Askren had an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports. While chatting with the interviewer, he reflected on his surgery and recovery, saying,
"They say people run marathons and all this other stuff. So, hopefully, I'll be able to live a happy, healthy, full life like I want to."
Askren showed his excitement to sleep on his bed after spending a long time in the hospital. He shared that spending time with family and enjoying home food has made his recovery feel much more manageable.
Expressing his thankfulness for his supporters and also mentioning Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal for looking after him, he added:
"It's going to be interesting. I've always tried to make the most of life, and I'm going to continue to try to do that."
Askren is disheartened by the realization that he will never be able to wrestle again and will need to stay on medication long-term. Still, amid everything, he expressed determination to rebuild.
TOPICS: Ben Askren