A newlywed couple from Texas are living through every couple’s worst nightmare after the bride fell critically ill on their honeymoon in Japan. Sarah Danh and Luke Gradl tied the knot back in March and travelled to Tokyo soon after to celebrate, however, after just two days abroad things “took a turn for the worse.”
The couple had their perfect wedding in Spring Branch, Texas, on March 21st. Gradl, 28, described the ceremony as being Danh’s, 27, “dream wedding that she worked tirelessly on every day for over a year.” Little did they know that less than a month later Danh, who works as a nurse in San Antonio, would have to be airlifted across the Pacific Ocean from Japan.
The couple arrived in Tokyo on April 8th and checked into their hotel. However, by the end of the first day Danh was feeling very unwell and was experiencing some very concerning symptoms. “When we arrived at the hotel the afternoon of April 8, she was not feeling well.” Gradl told People. By the second day things were getting worse and Gradl’s only option was to rush his wife to the hospital where she was put in the ICU.
She was suffering from several symptoms including Jaundice, vomiting, fever, body aches, and “extreme” hepatic encephalopathy, meaning a serious decline in brain function. While in Hospital in Japan she was diagnosed with acute liver failure. Gradl claimed that there were no signs during the wedding or before the honeymoon.
Sarah Danh is fighting for her life
This week she was airlifted back to Texas on a 20 hour flight although she is still in incredibly rough condition. Although Japanese doctors diagnosed her with acute liver failure, Gradl said she was also suffering from kidney failure and intracranial brain pressure. He described her battle as “a test like no other.”
Danh needs a liver transplant if she’s to have any chance of survival. A friend has already set up a GoFundMe to help raise the $180,000 for the hospital bills. So far the fundraiser has raised over $177,000 with the top donation being $5,000.
“Being away from home during such a vulnerable time has been incredibly difficult for Sarah and her husband, Luke, as they try to navigate the uncertainty and worry together.” the GoFundMe description reads.
Thankfully the couple are back in the U.S. now, although it was a rather risky journey. Footage showed the 27-year-old being strapped into a gurney and lifted into a medical plane before her flight back. The plane had to stop three times for refueling as well. A transplant team was also on standby for Danh’s arrival.
Published: Apr 22, 2026 01:54 pm