Family House Guest Sergio Marries High School Sweetheart

Published on September 14, 2021

On Tuesday, September 7 at 2:00 PM, Sergio Soto married Isabella Cristobal at The Ramp in San Francisco. The high school sweethearts have been together throughout Sergio’s illness. 

Sergio was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Living in Brentwood, California in the East Bay, Sergio has been undergoing treatment ever since. He has received three bone marrow transplants at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Mission Bay. 

When Sergio has treatments at UCSF, he and his family stay at Family House—the pediatric guest house and home away from home for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. For over forty years, Family House has provided free housing and services to families from all around the world.

When Sergio was 16, he attended a mutual friends’ Quinceanera. It was love at first sight when he saw 16-year-old Isabella Cristobal. They have been together ever since and have stayed together throughout Sergio’s fight against Leukemia. 

Last week, doctors at UCSF informed Sergio, Isabella, and Family House that they should make immediate hospice plans for Sergio as he only has weeks to live. Instead of letting this news bring them down, Sergio and Isabella decided to have a wedding.

Sergio and Isabella put their wedding together in just seven days following the news of the grim prognosis. “Be positive like Sergio, stay strong and live life one day at a time,” Isabella said.

With the assistance of Family House, the wedding was held at The Ramp in Mission Bay. The Ramp’s owners donated the venue, food and drinks for 40 of Sergio and Isabella’s family members. 

The whole community got together to make this a perfect day for Sergio and Isabella. Several local businesses offered their services at no charge for the nuptials. 

Lace & Liberty, a bridal boutique in San Francisco’s Noe Valley donated Cristobal’s gown. Men’s Wearhouse donated the groom’s tuxedo. Jessica James at the SF Diamond Exchange donated the rings for the couple.

Speaking of Isabella, Sergio said, “I knew she was the one for me, so that’s why I proposed. She’s the love of my life and I really want to be with her forever.”

Everyone in the Family House community wishes Sergio and Isabella happiness and love! See more photos from their nuptials on our Facebook page.