Australian Mother Fights for Life After Cosmetic Surgery in Vietnam
An Australian mother is currently on life support in Vietnam following complications from cosmetic surgery. Chloe Mowday, 31, traveled to Da Nang with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, aiming for a family vacation that included visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore. Tragically, what was meant to be a routine rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty turned into a life-threatening situation.
After the procedures, Chloe felt unwell the next morning and was taken to a nearby hospital when her condition worsened. Rod Mowday, Chloe’s brother, shared with news.com.au the alarming details of her decline. “She stayed at a clinic in Da Nang overnight, but the following morning they took her back to her hotel,” he said. “A few hours later, she started to deteriorate. She wasn’t responding well and then stopped breathing.”
Rod suspects that Chloe may have developed Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare and serious complication often linked to bacterial infections, although this has yet to be confirmed. As medical tests continue, a police investigation has also been initiated to explore the circumstances surrounding her condition.
Chloe is receiving critical care, including dialysis and blood transfusions, as her health remains precarious. “Her blood pressure dropped so low that her feet and fingers turned black,” Rod explained. Her family is now facing mounting medical costs, including a staggering quote of AUD 228,000 for a medical evacuation back to Australia.
Rod arrived in Vietnam immediately after learning about his sister’s situation, accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter. “I was absolutely mortified when he told me what had happened,” he said. During his five-day visit, he was allowed only brief daily visits to the intensive care unit, where he witnessed Chloe in a state of distress, surrounded by medical equipment.
“The doctors said she is very strong, but when I asked if she is going to make it, they couldn’t give me a straightforward answer,” he said. “What I saw was just heartbreaking. She was not awake, she had tubes coming out of her.” After attempts to bring Chloe out of an induced coma were unsuccessful, she was placed back into the coma as her body struggled to cope.
In light of the risks associated with her continued stay in the hospital, the family is working towards bringing Chloe home as soon as possible. “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia,” Rod noted.
To assist with the financial burden, the family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. “We are proud people and didn’t want to have to ask for help,” Rod admitted. However, the situation has forced them to seek assistance from the community. So far, the campaign has raised just over AUD 15,000, with support from generous donors like Brian Fisher, who contributed AUD 2,000.
The Mowday family is also in contact with the Australian embassy in Vietnam for help with logistics and medical arrangements. According to a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the department is providing consular assistance, which may include liaising with local hospitals and authorities.
Rod emphasized the urgency of Chloe’s situation, stating, “She has three young children and a loving husband who has been by her side since this happened.” The family hopes to secure the necessary funds and medical clearance to facilitate Chloe’s return home within the next month.
As the investigation continues, the family remains hopeful for Chloe’s recovery and the opportunity to reunite her with her children and husband in Australia.
