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A critically ill US nurse who experienced acute liver failure during her honeymoon in Japan is showing hopeful signs of recovery, her family reports. Sarah Danh, 27, was medevaced back to San Antonio, Texas, where she remains in a coma but has begun to exhibit encouraging progress.
Danh’s uncle shared an update on Facebook, describing recent developments as “encouraging news.” He noted that although she remains on a ventilator, she has started taking some weak breaths independently. Additionally, Danh has shown light responsiveness, including a faint nod when her mother asked if she could hear her.
In March, Danh, a labor and delivery nurse at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, married her partner of seven years, Luke Gradl, in what they called their “dream wedding” in Houston’s Spring Branch. The couple then traveled to Tokyo for a 16-day honeymoon. Shortly after arriving on April 8, Danh fell ill, experiencing symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, fever, body aches, and hepatic encephalopathy.
Gradl expressed shock at the sudden deterioration, noting there were no health concerns at their wedding. Danh had recently earned her nursing degree just before their marriage last year.
To help cover her medical expenses while hospitalized in Japan, Danh’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of $50,000. The fundraiser quickly surpassed that amount, raising over $187,000. The overwhelming support deeply moved the campaign organizer, Danniella Ongmanchi, who said it lifted the family in ways they hadn’t anticipated.
Upon returning to the US, MRI scans revealed Danh had suffered a stroke and bilateral brain damage. However, a second MRI offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting some of the brain damage might be reversible. This news has provided renewed strength and optimism to her family and loved ones.
Her uncle concluded that Danh “has continued to show gradual improvement” and may be slowly emerging from her coma, a hopeful sign for all who are keeping her in their thoughts.