Family given glimpse of hope after daughter's freak health scare on dream honeymoon led to nightmare scenario

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 01:09, 28 April 2026 | Updated: 01:19, 28 April 2026 The family of Sarah Danh, a Texas labor nurse, shared a glimpse of hope after their daughter suffered acute liver failure while on her dream honeymoon.  Danh, 27, was celebrating with her new husband on their honeymoon in Japan when she fell suddenly ill and was rushed home for a liver transplant.  The panicked family, however, shared some uplifting news on Sunday. 'Over the past few days, Sarah Danh has shown signs of improvement,' her uncle, Khang Le, posted on Facebook.  '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 them 'small but deeply meaningful signs' that she knows her family is 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.  A GoFundMe, which was created to aid Danh's recovery and her family, gave an update today that said: 'Sarah is making good progress in her recovery back home but still remains in critical condition.' Sarah Danh, 27, was celebrating with her new husband on their honeymoon in Japan when she fell suddenly ill and was rushed home for a liver transplant - but her family share news of hope Danh's uncle shared that she had started taking 'weak' breaths on her own, nodded her head slightly and squeezed her mother's hand  The San Antonio labor and delivery nurse left for her honeymoon with her husband, Luke Gradl, 28, on April 7 - but only two days in, she was rushed to the emergency room The fundraiser has garnered over $187,000 in donations as of Monday evening.   The San Antonio labor and delivery nurse left for her honeymoon with her husband, Luke Gradl, 28, on April 7. But only two days in, she was rushed to the emergency room.  Gradl told People that Danh began to suffer from 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,' he added.  Danh was admitted to the ICU before she was flown home on a flight longer than 20 hours, her uncle said, marking what he described as the 'most critical part of her recovery.' When she landed in Texas, Le said that an MRI showed 'devastating news.' '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,' he 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.' Gradl said they continue to put their faith in God and the medical staff caring for Danh, and added: 'I love my wife with all my heart and this is a test like no other' Danh was admitted to the ICU before she was flown home on a flight longer than 20 hours, her uncle said, marking what he described as the 'most critical part of her recovery' An MRI showed that Danh suffered brain damage before the 20+ hour flight from Japan back home, yet a follow up scan suggested it 'may be reversible,' according to Danh's uncle Le added that 'despite that painful news,' Danh's family continued to support each other and hold onto hope for her recovery.  The following day, another MRI gave the family a shimmer of hope that some of the damage may be reversible, 'although it will take time to fully understand her condition and recovery.' 'Since then, Sarah has continued to show gradual improvement, with signs that she may be slowly emerging from the coma. We remain hopeful and ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her journey toward recovery,' he wrote.  Danh's family and her new husband asked everyone to continue praying for her as she makes her way home to continue recovery.  'With her story I just want as many people to be aware and provide prayer,' Gradl told People.  '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 currently training to be a pilot, said they continue to put their faith in God and the medical staff caring for Danh.  'I love my wife with all my heart and this is a test like no other.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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