A couple’s honeymoon in Japan has taken a troubling turn after the bride, Sarah Danh, fell seriously ill, leading to her being admitted to the intensive care unit with acute liver failure. Sarah, 27, and her husband, Luke Gradl, 28, had only been married for a few weeks when their romantic holiday suddenly transformed into a medical crisis.
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The traumatic event unfolded shortly after their arrival in Tokyo, where the couple was eager to celebrate their recent nuptials. Unfortunately, just two days into their trip, Danh experienced a significant decline in her health. Since then, she has been receiving critical medical attention in a hospital, and the cause of her liver failure remains undetermined.
Luke Gradl is currently beside his wife, providing unwavering support during this challenging time. He revealed to PEOPLE magazine that arrangements are underway for her to be medically evacuated back to the United States for further treatment. “The flight is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, with multiple stops planned,” Gradl shared. The evacuation flight is being organised by her employer, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak in San Antonio, Texas, and is facilitated through AirMed.
To bolster her spirits, Danh’s mother, Le Le, has travelled from the U.S. to offer maternal support in Japan. While Le Le provides comfort to her daughter, Gradl’s family is actively engaged in assisting from Texas, navigating time zone differences to ensure they are involved in the situation. Gradl mentioned that his family has been reaching out to the embassy and state department for guidance, providing crucial support during this trying ordeal.
In addition to emotional backing, Gradl’s brother-in-law, Rob, a cardiologist, has been pivotal in the medical aspects of Danh’s care. Rob has been reviewing lab results and keeping in constant communication with the medical team in Japan, dedicating his nights to stay informed of any developments in Danh’s condition. Gradl expressed immense gratitude for Rob’s commitment: “He has been in this fight with us since the beginning, making sure we stay updated,” he noted.
As Sarah Danh’s health complications deepen, she is also contending with kidney failure and elevated intracranial pressure, further complicating her medical situation. Currently, she is undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy, dialysis, and other treatments. Gradl described her condition as stable but serious, emphasising the importance of being medically cleared for the flight home.
To alleviate the financial strain associated with her hospitalisation and the costs of an emergency evacuation, a GoFundMe campaign was established, successfully raising approximately £130,000. This fund aims to cover her medical bills, evacuation flights, and other urgent expenses related to her care. Gradl, amidst his distress, shared his hopes for his wife’s recovery, stating, “I love my wife with all of my heart… We have put our continued faith in God and all of the medical staff.”
As the couple prepares for Danh’s evacuation flight, Gradl remains hopeful that she will be stable enough for the long, challenging journey home. He reiterated the pressing need for her condition to improve in order for the transfer to occur safely. The family is awaiting updates from the medical team as they navigate this unexpected crisis far from home.
The remarkable support from friends, family, and even strangers through the fundraising efforts clearly illustrates the profound impact of community during times of adversity. As the couple faces an uncertain future, their resilience is a testament to the strength of love and support. The Gradl and Danh families are holding on to hope and faith, firmly believing that they will soon have their daughter and sister back in Texas where she can continue her recovery.