The family of Sarah Danh, a 27-year-old labor and delivery nurse from San Antonio, Texas, has shared a glimmer of hope after she suffered acute liver failure while on her dream honeymoon in Japan. Danh fell suddenly ill just two days into her trip with her husband, Luke Gradl, and was rushed home for a liver transplant.
Encouraging Signs of Improvement
On Sunday, her uncle, Khang Le, posted an uplifting update on Facebook. 'Over the past few days, Sarah Danh has shown signs of improvement,' he wrote. 'While still on the breathing machine, she has begun taking a few weak breaths on her own. This Sunday morning felt like the most hopeful day we have had since we first learned Sarah was in the ICU in Japan.'
Le added that Danh has given her family 'small but deeply meaningful signs' that she knows they are by her side. 'She gently squeezed her mom's hand while her mom stood beside her, and she faintly nodded when asked if she could hear. These moments brought tears of joy and relief to her parents and our entire family,' he said.
Critical Condition and Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Danh's recovery and her family reported that 'Sarah is making good progress in her recovery back home but still remains in critical condition.' As of Monday evening, the fundraiser had garnered over $187,000 in donations.
Danh left for her honeymoon with Gradl on April 7. Two days later, she was rushed to the emergency room with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, fever, body aches, and 'extreme' hepatic encephalopathy, a serious decline in brain function caused by severe liver disease. 'There were no health signs at our wedding,' Gradl told People.
A Perilous Journey Home
After being admitted to the ICU in Japan, Danh was flown home on a flight lasting over 20 hours, which her uncle described as the 'most critical part of her recovery.' Upon landing in Texas, an MRI revealed devastating news: Danh had suffered a stroke before returning home, resulting in what appeared to be severe bilateral brain damage. 'Doctors told her parents and Luke that she had suffered a stroke before returning home, resulting in what appeared to be severe bilateral brain damage,' Le wrote. 'At that time, they warned that she might not wake up or regain normal function. This was heartbreaking for all of us, especially for her parents, Le Le and Danny Le.'
Despite this painful news, the family continued to support each other and hold onto hope. The following day, another MRI offered a shimmer of hope: some of the damage may be reversible, 'although it will take time to fully understand her condition and recovery.'
Faith and Family Support
Danh's family and her husband have asked for continued prayers as she progresses. 'With her story I just want as many people to be aware and provide prayer,' Gradl said. 'I just want her to be stable enough for our evacuation that is being coordinated through AirMed because it is a long, risky flight that must be done to get her home.'
Gradl, who is training to be a pilot, said they continue to put their faith in God and the medical staff. 'I love my wife with all my heart and this is a test like no other,' he added.
Since the latest MRI, Danh has continued to show gradual improvement, with signs that she may be slowly emerging from her coma. Her uncle concluded, 'We remain hopeful and ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her journey toward recovery.'
