Sarah Danh’s family says she is “improving each day,” but her health journey is far from over

Sarah Danh is slowly taking steps toward recovery.

After three weeks of an emotionally taxing and challenging health battle, Danh’s family says there’s finally “good news.” Just over a week ago, the San Antonio labor and delivery nurse, 27, returned to Texas on an emergency medical evacuation flight after suffering a sudden “life-threatening health decline” for unknown reasons on the second day of her honeymoon in Japan.

Since she was initially hospitalized overseas on April 9, Danh has been in a coma on life support and diagnosed with acute liver failure, among other serious health issues.

Sarah D Danh with father in the hospital

Sarah Danh with her father, Danny Le.Courtesy of Khang Le

Danh returned to the U.S. on April 21, and five days later her uncle, Khang Le, shared that she was showing signs of “gradual improvement” and “slowly emerging from the coma.” He cited “small but deeply meaningful signs that she is aware of her family’s presence,” which included gently squeezing her mother Le Le’s hand and faintly nodding when asked if she could hear. At the time, an MRI of Danh’s brain detected damage, but doctors told the family that the brain damage may be “reversible.”

Now, Khang is sharing the most hopeful update yet.

“Since my last update, Sarah’s condition has been improving each day, and she is physically getting stronger,” he wrote on Facebook on April 30. “She is no longer on life support and is breathing on her own. She has also been able to wiggle her toes and move her arms.”

Nursing graduation photo of Sarah Danh.Courtesy of Le Le

Although Danh’s physical condition is slowly improving, Khang explained that her motor and speech abilities are limited. She is currently unable to speak and needs assistance with primary life functions.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

Danh has seemingly expressed several different emotions, but Khang noted that these responses “often come and go.”

Another major health milestone is that Danh is starting to walk with assistance. Khang shared, “This morning, the doctors tested her strength and helped her stand. With assistance, Sarah was able to take a few small steps.”

Luke Gradl and Sarah Danh on their wedding day, March 21.Wincrest Films

Khang concluded his post by thanking supporters. Danh’s GoFundMe surpassed $187,000 on April 27, and has since been taken down.

“I truly believe the prayers and support you have all provided have given Sarah the strength and courage to keep fighting for her life,” he said.

Further testing is needed to fully determine the cause of Danh’s unexpected health decline. Her health journey is far from over. Once she is transferred out of the intensive care unit, Khang says she will need “both physical and cognitive therapy.”