When a father’s love is on the line, distance means nothing. That’s exactly what Dan Gaut proved when he made a desperate dash from Australia to America to stop his ex from putting their newborn daughter up for adoption.
Dan, a builder from Sydney’s north shore, met Liz while on vacation in San Francisco in early 2023. Their connection was instant and intense. So much so that Liz left behind her life in Austin, Texas, to move to Australia and start a new chapter with him.
“She told me there was nothing left for her in Texas,” Dan shared with A Current Affair. “She said all her heart and energy were here in Australia. I thought, ‘Great, let’s make this work!’”
For a while, things were perfect. Liz and Dan were inseparable. She even joined him on job sites, helping out and sharing every moment. It seemed like a dream come true. But that dream soon crumbled.
Everything changed when Liz announced her pregnancy. Suddenly, she started talking about her old life in Austin—about wanting to return to her community and support network. Before Dan knew it, she was back in the States, only to deliver the shocking news that she’d reunited with her ex.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Dan admitted. “She was pregnant with my daughter, and now she was talking about putting her up for adoption? I was stunned.”
When Liz revealed that she was considering adoption, Dan knew he couldn’t let that happen. He immediately stepped up and promised to raise the baby himself. Thankfully, Liz agreed, but there was one massive hurdle left: making it to the U.S. in time for the birth.
Dan wasted no time booking a 15-hour flight to America. His heart pounded with every mile as he thought about his unborn daughter and how close he was to losing her. Just as he landed, he got the news—Liz had gone into labor.
Holding his baby girl for the first time, Dan was overcome with emotion. “She’s just perfect,” he said, his voice full of love and relief. “From the moment I saw her, I knew everything was worth it. I just couldn’t wait to hold her.”
Now, as he navigates the complicated process of paperwork and migration requirements to bring little Ana home to Australia, Dan remains determined. Liz has expressed an interest in staying involved in Ana’s life, but the future is uncertain. Still, Dan’s focus is on being the best dad he can be—one day at a time.
Dan’s friends, moved by his devotion, set up a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of bringing Ana home. The campaign has already surpassed its goal, raising over $32,000. Dan couldn’t be more grateful for the outpouring of support.
“I just want to give Ana the best life possible,” he shared. “If you can’t donate, a simple prayer means the world to us.”
Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that love knows no distance—and a father’s determination can move mountains.
What do you think of Dan’s journey? Would you cross the world to protect your loved ones? Share your thoughts in the comments!
