The family of a bride who suffered a medical emergency on her honeymoon in Japan has shared uplifting news about her condition. Sarah Danh, a 27-year-old labour and delivery nurse from San Antonio, Texas, was flown back to the United States on an emergency medical evacuation flight after experiencing acute liver failure just two days into her trip to Japan. The cause of the liver failure remains unknown.
Condition Improves
Since being hospitalised abroad on April 9, Danh remained in a coma and on life support. However, on Thursday, her uncle Khang Le posted an update on Facebook, saying, “Hello everyone, I want to share some good news about Sarah Danh. Since my last update, Sarah’s condition has been improving each day, and she is physically getting stronger. She is no longer on life support and is breathing on her own.”
Le added that Danh can now wiggle her toes and move her arms. “Although her physical condition is improving, she is still far from being able to do basic things such as taking a sip of water, eating, controlling her fingers, opening her mouth, or saying any words. Her memory seems to come and go. She has been able to express discomfort, sadness, and happiness, and she smiles, cries, and even giggles when I say silly things to get a reaction from her. Her emotions seem to be present, but they often come and go.”
In a further positive development, Le reported that doctors tested her strength and helped her stand. “With assistance, Sarah was able to take a few small steps. I truly believe the prayers and support you have all provided have given Sarah the strength and courage to keep fighting for her life. In the coming months, Sarah will need both physical and cognitive therapy once she is transferred out of the ICU.”
Fundraising and Support
Danh returned to the US on April 21. A GoFundMe campaign set up to cover her medical expenses raised over $187,000 before being taken down. The fundraiser described how Danh and her husband, Luke Gradl, 28, had been married for a week when they embarked on their “dream honeymoon trip” to Japan. “They were so excited to start celebrating their marriage together, looking forward to exploring a new country and making memories as newlyweds,” the page said. “But while in Japan only for two days, Sarah suddenly became very ill and was rushed to the ER, where she was diagnosed with acute liver failure.”
In a statement to People magazine, Gradl and Danh’s mother, Le Le, expressed their gratitude. “Whether we know you personally or you reached out from somewhere far away, your kindness, prayers, and support helped carry us through one of the hardest times in our lives. You gave us comfort, strength, and hope when we needed it most.”
