An Australian mother is currently fighting for her life in a Vietnamese hospital following complications from a cosmetic procedure. Chloe Mowday, 31, traveled to Da Nang with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, as part of a family trip that included plans to visit Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore.
Chloe underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty, both of which are generally regarded as safe and routine procedures. However, the situation quickly escalated when she began to feel ill the day after her surgery. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, Chloe was initially discharged from a local clinic but soon deteriorated at her hotel.
“She stayed at a clinic in Da Nang overnight, and the following morning they took her back to her hotel,” Rod recounted. “A few hours later, she started to feel strange and had a bit of pain in other areas besides the surgery site.” After taking prescribed medication and attempting to rest, Chloe stopped responding. Rod believes she may have suffered from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious complication caused by a bacterial infection, though this has yet to be confirmed.
Chloe is currently on life support, undergoing various medical interventions including dialysis and blood transfusions. Rod shared, “Her blood pressure dropped so low that her feet and fingers turned black.” He received the distressing news from his brother-in-law and immediately traveled to Vietnam with his 16-year-old daughter to be by Chloe’s side.
“It was heartbreaking to see my beautiful sister in such a state,” Rod said. “The doctors indicated she is strong, but when I asked if she is going to make it, they couldn’t provide a straightforward answer.” Despite attempts to bring Chloe out of her induced coma, medical staff were unsuccessful, prompting them to reinstate the coma. As of March 14, 2024, Chloe’s condition remains critical, with her eyes open but still unresponsive.
Family Struggles with Rising Medical Costs
In light of her deteriorating condition, the family has begun to explore options for transferring Chloe back to Australia. Rod noted that remaining in the hospital in Vietnam poses a heightened risk of infection, which could hinder her recovery. They are now working with the Australian embassy for assistance with her transfer, as well as seeking financial help through a GoFundMe campaign.
The family initially hesitated to ask for help, but mounting medical expenses—including a quoted cost of $228,000 for an air ambulance—have made this necessary. “We are proud people and didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod admitted. As of now, over $15,000 has been raised through the campaign, with significant contributions, including $2,000 from a generous donor.
Rod expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “I am so thankful for the love and support from everyone. People are just beautiful.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance but has not disclosed specific details due to privacy obligations. A spokesperson stated, “The department is providing consular assistance to an Australian in Vietnam. Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”
Hope for Recovery
Rod emphasized the importance of bringing Chloe home, noting, “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia.” He described Chloe as a loving mother of three, with her husband and young children anxiously awaiting her return.
The family is also exploring options for loans and accessing superannuation funds to cover medical costs. A police report has been filed by the hospital to investigate the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s surgery, which is part of the reason the clinic’s name has not been made public.
As Chloe continues to fight for her life, her family remains hopeful for her recovery and the possibility of bringing her back to Australia soon.
