High School Sweethearts Marry after Learning Groom Has Just Weeks to Live

When Sergio Soto learned he only had three to weeks to live, he and his girlfriend Isabella Cristobal decided to get married in front of their families.

Cancer has taken away many lives in the past, and still, after decades, no one cure guarantees survival for those diagnosed.

Still, many who have the terrifying disease try to live their lives normally. Among them is Sergio Soto, who takes everything one day at a time despite his terminal illness.

At the age of 15, Soto was diagnosed with leukemia. Although he exhausted all efforts to get well, the cancer returned and worsened his condition.

Soto, now 20 years old, was given only a few weeks left to live. With the limited time, he decided to marry his high school sweetheart, Isabella Cristobal, in a small wedding ceremony. He shared:

"No matter what happens with my treatment, or whatever happens, I know she'll always be there, take care of me and stuff. She really makes me happy."

Soto, Cristobal, and their families prepared for the wedding in just a week and had businesses donate to make the event possible.

He is still undergoing treatment and trying new drugs that may extend his life.

The couple's love story inspires many as they want to give hope to others in a similar situation, particularly those battling cancer.

A similar story happened in 2020 between two high school lovers, Chase Smith, 19, and Sadie Mills, 18, in a small Indiana home ceremony. He shared:

“Anybody can die at any moment, so if you know you want to [get married] in the future, and you’re ready to do it, and you’re able to do it and give your all, start a journey together.”

Smith and Mills initially planned to get married after college, but they decided to tie the knot while time permitted due to his illness.

Their older siblings planned the ceremony and gathered donations from different businesses in only four days. Some of the kind hearts were an event company, a dress and flower shop, and a jeweler.

Their parents were supportive, including Smith’s mom, who said that their sisters were very organized and worked hard to make the wedding possible.

It turned out that their hard work paid off, as Mills called it the “best day of my life.” As for Smith, seeing his bride walk down the aisle was the most magical part of the event.

Smith shared: “When I finally got to see her, everything else was just blank, and it was a flood of emotion between me and her [...] it was for sure one of the best moments of my life.”

With the uncertainty of his life, Smith’s wife plans to attend Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis while returning home to be with her spouse every day.

Similarly, another young soul who goes by the name Marvelous Maddie battled stage 4 cancer after seven years in remission. Fortunately, she had supportive friends who tried to help with the chemo expenses.