Wedding bells will be ringing this Sunday at Sharp Memorial Hospital as a local heart transplant patient marries his fiancée in a very special in-hospital ceremony.
When patient Manuel Francisco, 46, was told by his doctors it might take as long as three months to receive a prescribed heart transplant, Francisco made a vow to marry his fiancée, Diane Sobreo, at Sharp Memorial Hospital as he awaited his new heart.
Sharp representatives say Francisco was diagnosed with a viral cardiomyopathy in August 2012, a disorder caused by a viral attack on the cardiac muscles of the heart.
Francisco’s condition continued to worsen and after two weeks at the hospital, he was placed on a transplant list on Feb. 8. He remained in intensive care on IV medication that helped sustain his heart function as he waited for his new heart to become available.
Fortunately, that lifeline came much sooner than expected.
Sharp representatives say Francisco received his new heart on Feb. 26 and has been recovering at the hospital ever since.
With a new lease on life, Francisco has decided to continue to focus on his heart – in other ways -- by marrying the woman he loves.
He’s decided to tie the knot, as promised, in a heartwarming, in-hospital wedding complete with caregivers in attendance who have become like family during his time at the hospital.
That being said, a wedding is in the works for this Sunday.
Erica Carlson of Sharp Memorial told NBC 7 the ceremony will be held on the fifth floor waiting area of the hospital, by the windows, so the couple can enjoy a nice view as they exchange their vows.
Francisco and Sobreo will wed at 1 p.m., undoubtedly sending hearts aflutter on their big day.
Photo Credit: Sharp Memorial Hospital