Texas nurse who fell into coma on honeymoon in Japan is off life support, breathing on her own; family shares hopeful update

Sarah Danh (Image courtesy: Facebook/Khang Le)
Sarah Danh, a newlywed bride who went to Japan for her honeymoon and slipped into a coma after a sudden medical emergency, is now off life support and breathing on her own, according to her family. The latest update comes after three weeks of Danh being diagnosed with acute liver failure and other serious health complications following a mysterious health decline overseas, reported People.

Her uncle, Khang Le, shared the ‘good news’ about Sarah in a Facebook update on April 30, saying her condition has continued to improve since she was medically evacuated back to Texas earlier this month.

“Since my last update, Sarah’s condition has been improving each day, and she is physically getting stronger,” he wrote. “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.”

The 27-year-old San Antonio labor and delivery nurse was first hospitalized in Japan on April 9, just one day after arriving for her honeymoon, after suffering from a sudden and life-threatening health decline for unknown reasons. A day later she was taken into the ICU; her husband told the outlet that time. She remained in critical condition overseas before being flown back to the United States on an emergency medical evacuation flight on April 21.

At the time, she had been placed in a coma on life support and was diagnosed with acute liver failure.

A few days after returning to the U.S., Khang had shared in a Facebook post that Danh was showing signs of “gradual improvement” and was “slowly emerging from the coma.” He said she had begun responding to family members in small but emotional ways, including gently squeezing her mother Le Le’s hand and faintly nodding when asked if she could hear.

Doctors had also found brain damage through an MRI scan, but told the family the condition may be reversible.

While her physical recovery has shown progress, Khang said Sarah still faces major challenges with speech, movement, and daily 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.”

He added that her emotional responses remain inconsistent, noting that they “often come and go.”

Another encouraging step came when doctors helped Danh stand and begin walking with support. “This morning, the doctors tested her strength and helped her stand. With assistance, Sarah was able to take a few small steps.”

Khang said the family believes the overwhelming support from loved ones and strangers has helped keep Sarah fighting.

“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.
He ended the update by thanking supporters who had rallied around the family during the difficult weeks. A GoFundMe created for Danh’s medical expenses had crossed $187,000 by April 27 before it was later taken down.

Sarah, 27, and Luke Gradl, 28, were married on March 21, in Spring Branch, Texas.