Family of bride who was medically evacuated from Japan honeymoon issues ‘good news’
Sarah Danh, the San Antonio bride who was flown back to the U.S. after suffering a terrifying medical emergency on her honeymoon in Japan, is showing signs of recovery.
The 27-year-old labor and delivery nurse suffered acute liver failure on the second day of her trip to Japan and returned to Texas on an emergency medical evacuation flight. The cause of the liver failure is unclear.
Since she was first hospitalised abroad on April 9, Danh has remained in a coma and on life support.
However, on Thursday, Danh’s uncle Khang Le issued an update about his niece’s condition on Facebook.
“Hello everyone, I want to share some good news about Sarah Danh,” Le wrote. “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.”
He continued: “She has also been able to 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.
“This morning, the 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.”
Danh returned to the U.S. on April 21. A GoFundMe set up to help cover her medical expenses raised more than $187,000 and has since been taken down.
The fundraiser said the bride and groom, Luke Gradl, 28, had been married for a week when they went to Japan on their “dream honeymoon trip.”
“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 shared with People magazine, Gradle and Danh’s mother, Le Le, thanked everyone who had supported the GoFundMe and shared well wishes.
“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,” they said. “You gave us comfort, strength, and hope when we needed it most.”
