Texas nurse off life support after stroke during Japan honeymoon

Sarah Danh and Luke Gradl were married on March 21 before Danh fell critically ill during their Japan honeymoon.

The Central Texas nurse who was medically evacuated from her Japan honeymoon last week is off life support and breathing on her own, family members say. She has also taken her first steps since falling ill.

It’s been a week filled with hope for the family of San Antonio labor and delivery nurse Sarah Danh, 27, who suffered a stroke before her flight to Texas. Danh, who recently married Luke Gradl, fell ill without warning just two days after the couple arrived in Japan. She was diagnosed with sudden liver failure and had to undergo transplant surgery upon her return to San Antonio on April 21.

After showing signs that she was aware of her family’s presence, a family member says her physical condition is improving.

“Since my last update, Sarah’s condition has been improving each day, and she is physically getting stronger,” Khang Le wrote in a Facebook post Thursday night. “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.”

Earlier in the day, medical staff had assessed her strength and supported her in a standing position. She took “a few small steps” with assistance.

Le expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging that Danh still has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Once she is transferred out of the ICU, she will require physical and cognitive therapy.

“Although her physical condition is improving, 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,” Le’s post continued. “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. Her emotions seem to be present, but they often come and go.”

Le also thanked those who have offered encouragement to Danh and her family.

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

According to Danh's uncle Khang Le, his niece has been showing signs of improvement since being medically evacuated from Tokyo back to a San Antonio hospital.

Prior to these hopeful signs of recovery, Le says the family received “devastating news”: An MRI conducted after Danh’s return to the U.S. revealed she had suffered a stroke while in Japan, which is believed to have caused severe bilateral brain damage. Medical staff “warned that she might not wake up or regain normal function,” Le says.

Another MRI, taken a day later, suggested some of the damage may be reversible. Danh’s family was told it was too early to determine what her recovery would look like. Nonetheless, Le says the family remains hopeful.

“Our family would also like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out, prayed, donated, and supported us during this unimaginable time,” Le’s post reads. “We are truly grateful for the compassion, generosity, and prayers we have received. Lastly, I want to thank both our family and Luke’s family for coming together in unity to support Sarah every step of the way.”

A previous report from People said Danh suffered a “life-threatening health decline” on April 9, with several immediate symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, body aches and “extreme” hepatic encephalopathy. After being hospitalized, Danh’s condition worsened, according to her husband — her kidneys were failing, and she was battling increasing intracranial pressure.

Danh had been unable to be evacuated until her condition stabilized.

An online fundraiser was created to help with Danh’s hospital bills, her family’s flights and “any other urgent expenses.” In Japan, policies require hospital bills to be paid in full. If they go unpaid, treatments will be halted.

AirMed and Danh’s employer, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, worked with HCA Healthcare to arrange Danh’s flight back to Texas.

Donations for the GoFundMe were paused after contributions exceeded $187,000. The initial goal was $50,000.