Sarah Danh returned to the U.S. on April 21 after a sudden health crisis during her honeymoon in Japan

Sarah Danh’s family isn’t giving up hope.

Six days ago on April 21, the San Antonio labor and delivery nurse, 27, returned to Texas on an emergency medical evacuation flight after her honeymoon in Japan took a terrifying turn. She suffered a “life-threatening health decline” on the second day of her getaway, April 9, for unknown reasons and has since been on life support with acute liver failure.

Danh’s family and husband of one month, Luke Gradl, 28, haven’t left her side as she remains in a coma. They say that every moment has been a rollercoaster of emotions as further testing is done to figure out what went wrong and how to save her life.

Sarah D Danh in the hospital

Sarah Danh with her cousins, Janice and Christina Thach.Courtesy of Khang Le

Her uncle, Khang Le, wrote on Facebook on April 26 that “this journey has been incredibly difficult.” When Danh returned home, doctors warned everyone that she may never wake up — and even if she did, she wouldn’t be the same.

“After Sarah arrived back in the U.S., an MRI brought devastating news,” Khang wrote. “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. 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.”

Sarah D Danh with father in the hospital

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

Despite the “painful news,” Danh’s family made a pact to “stay strong, support one another, and continue fighting for Sarah.”

Another MRI the next day suggested to doctors that “some of the damage may be reversible.” Miraculously, Danh has also already shown “encouraging” signs of “gradual improvement” over the past few days. Khang wrote, “She may be slowly emerging from the coma.”

“While still on the breathing machine, she has begun taking a few weak breaths on her own,” he shared. “This Sunday morning felt like the most hopeful day we have had since we first learned Sarah was in the ICU in Japan.”

A person kisses the forehead of another person lying in a hospital bed who appears to be unconscious

Sarah Danh with her mother, Le Le.Courtesy of Khang Le

He continued, “Sarah has also given us small but deeply meaningful signs that she is aware of her family’s presence. 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.”

Although “it will take time to fully understand her condition and recovery,” Danh’s family remains hopeful. As they wait for her to regain consciousness, they express their “deepest gratitude” to those who have helped them during this “unimaginable” time, whether it be through prayer, words of encouragement or donations.

Sarah D Danh with parents

Sarah Danh with her parents, Le Le and Danny Le.Courtesy of Khang Le

“We are truly grateful for the compassion, generosity, and prayers we have received,” Khang wrote, noting that the support means more to them “than words can express.”