An Australian mother is currently in critical condition in Vietnam following complications from cosmetic surgery. Chloe Mowday, 31, underwent a rhinoplasty and a blepharoplasty in Da Nang, a popular coastal city, during a family vacation. The procedures, typically regarded as safe, took a dire turn when Chloe fell gravely ill shortly after her surgery.
Chloe had traveled to Vietnam with her husband, Josh, and their youngest son, Elijah, planning to enjoy their time in Southeast Asia, including visits to Disneyland in Hong Kong and Universal Studios in Singapore. According to her brother, Rod Mowday, Chloe began feeling unwell the morning after her procedures. He described her condition deteriorating rapidly, stating, “A few hours later when Josh came to check on her, she wasn’t responding well – then she stopped breathing.”
Rod suspects that Chloe may have developed a serious complication known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), caused by a bacterial infection, although this has not been officially confirmed. As of now, she remains in intensive care at Da Nang Hospital, where doctors are conducting tests to determine the exact cause of her symptoms.
Chloe’s condition is alarming; Rod reported that she is currently on dialysis, has received a blood transfusion, and is receiving medication to stabilize her blood pressure, which had dropped dangerously low. “It got so low her feet and fingers turned black,” he noted.
Rod travelled to Vietnam upon receiving news of his sister’s critical state. “I was absolutely mortified when he told me what had happened,” he said. His experiences in the hospital were harrowing, as he witnessed Chloe in a medically induced coma, surrounded by tubes and medical equipment. “What I saw was just heartbreaking,” he remembered.
Chloe’s doctors have attempted to bring her out of the coma but have not succeeded. Rod emphasized the urgency of her situation, noting that the risk of infection remains high if she stays in the hospital. In light of this, the family is working to arrange for Chloe’s medical evacuation back to Australia. “The doctors have informed us that she has a better chance of getting through this at home in Australia,” Rod stated.
To help cover the mounting medical expenses, including an estimated **$228,000** for the air ambulance, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Despite their pride, they felt compelled to seek assistance from the community. So far, they have raised just over **$15,000**, with one donor, Brian Fisher, contributing **$2,000**. “I am so thankful for the love and support from everyone. People are just beautiful,” Rod expressed.
The family is also in contact with the Australian embassy in Vietnam, seeking assistance with the evacuation process. A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that the department is providing consular support, including liaising with local health authorities and assisting with communication.
Chloe is a devoted mother of three and a loving partner to Josh, who has been by her side during this crisis. Rod described her as “such a beautiful girl and a loving soul,” emphasizing the impact her health crisis is having on the family.
As they await news on Chloe’s condition and the potential for her transfer back to Australia, the family is exploring additional financial options, including bank loans and accessing superannuation to alleviate the medical costs.
A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the surgery is also underway, but the name of the clinic where the procedures took place has not been disclosed. The family hopes for a swift recovery and a safe return home for Chloe, while remaining grateful for the overwhelming support from their community during this challenging time.
