A young West Australian mother is currently fighting for her life in a Vietnamese intensive care unit (ICU) after a cosmetic procedure took a disastrous turn, transforming a family holiday into a desperate struggle for survival. Chloe Mowday, 31, was enjoying a Southeast Asian adventure with her husband, Josh, and their five-year-old son, having already visited Bali, Hong Kong, and Singapore. However, their travel plans were tragically halted a fortnight ago in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Ms. Mowday underwent rhinoplasty (a nose job) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at an unnamed clinic in the coastal city. After spending the night at the clinic, she was discharged the following morning. Upon returning to her hotel, she became unresponsive just hours later, experiencing organ failure.
She was resuscitated while being rushed to the hospital and subsequently spent two weeks in a coma, relying on life support. While Ms. Mowday has recently regained consciousness, she remains in critical condition in the ICU, requiring dialysis and facing a long and arduous recovery.
Her brother, Rod, immediately flew to Vietnam to be by her side during this incredibly challenging time.
He recounted the heartbreaking scene he encountered to news outlets, stating that his sister was unconscious and supported by numerous tubes and machines. He further explained that she requires dialysis, has undergone a blood transfusion, and is receiving medication to stabilise her dangerously low blood pressure, which had resulted in the discolouration of her extremities.
The family is now urgently trying to raise the necessary funds to facilitate Ms. Mowday’s return to Australia for continued medical care.
According to a fundraising page established by her brother, doctors have indicated that Ms. Mowday’s chances of recovery would be significantly improved if she were treated back home in Australia. The family is therefore exploring all avenues to arrange for an air ambulance to transport her as quickly as possible.
The cost of the air ambulance is estimated at AUD$125,000, which needs to be paid upfront. The family is exploring various financial options, including bank loans, accessing superannuation funds, and increasing work hours, in addition to the fundraising efforts.
Within five days, the online fundraiser has already garnered over AUD$15,000 in donations.
The fundraising appeal describes Ms. Mowday as a beautiful and loving person with three young children and a devoted husband who has remained by her side throughout this ordeal, along with their five-year-old son.
Medical professionals are currently conducting tests to determine the precise cause of Ms. Mowday’s sudden illness. It has also been reported that a police investigation has been initiated.
Social media posts show Ms. Mowday enjoying her holiday prior to the incident, including visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and appreciating the scenic views from her accommodations in Vietnam and Bali. The family had planned to continue their travels to China before the unexpected turn of events.
Da Nang has become increasingly known for its cosmetic surgery offerings, with procedures like rhinoplasty costing around AUD$2,076. This is significantly less than the average cost of AUD$9,200 for the same procedure in Australia, as indicated by the Medical Tourism Corporation website. Similarly, blepharoplasty in Da Nang costs approximately AUD$2,025, which is less than a third of the price patients would typically pay in Australia.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with medical tourism and the importance of thorough research and careful consideration when opting for medical procedures abroad. The family’s focus remains on bringing Ms. Mowday home and supporting her through her recovery.
