Seventeen-year-old Atticus Maldonado has an extra reason to celebrate this new year – he is officially cancer-free. Atticus recently completed treatment for Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue cancer that primarily affects children and teenagers, at the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. To mark this life-changing milestone, Atticus ceremoniously rang the bell, surrounded by his overjoyed family, friends, and the dedicated care team who supported him since the beginning of his journey in 2023.
Atticus, a passionate baseball fan and car enthusiast, was joined by more than 25 loved ones for the emotional celebration. Held during the week of Christmas, the milestone was perfectly timed, as all his family wanted for the holidays was for Atticus to be cancer-free. The festivities were filled with holiday cheer and personalized touches honoring Atticus's journey. The care team organized a "Cars"-themed celebration, complete with Lightning McQueen decorations, ice cream cake, and thoughtful gifts, including car parts to support Atticus's passion for car restoration.
"Atticus has brought laughter and light to everyone he's encountered," says Taylor Sinnott, child life specialist, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. "He has an incredible ability to make patients and care team members smile and laugh. We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone and the bright future that lies ahead for him."
The support for Atticus extended beyond the hospital walls. Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe, the official player partner of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, joined Atticus via Zoom to offer his congratulations and well wishes for the new year, marking a memorable moment during the celebration. Atticus is a big fan of the Angels and has built a special relationship with the team while receiving treatment at Miller Children’s & Women’s.
On June 19th, the Angels hosted Atticus and 12 of his closest friends and family in a private suite at Angel Stadium for his 17th birthday. During pregame, Atticus played catch with Angels shortstop Zach Neto, took some swings in the indoor batting cage, and was surprised by players Mike Trout, Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, Hunter Strickland and Patrick Sandoval who brought him a birthday cake to sing “Happy Birthday” to him. In September, he was honored to deliver the game ball during an Angels game in recognition of the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day.
"I'm excited to move forward without the restrictions that cancer had on me," shared Atticus. "I'm looking forward to simply being a normal kid again. I can finally return to school, see my friends, enjoy a normal diet, and experience freedom. I'm ready to embrace everyday life and hit hard."
The Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute provides high-quality, compassionate care to children diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other serious blood disorders. It is one of only 10 children's hospitals nationwide to hold full accreditation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. With access to advanced treatments, clinical trials, and comprehensive psychosocial support, the Institute is committed to helping patients like Atticus thrive beyond their diagnoses. Each year, more than 800 children receive treatment at the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute.
"We are incredibly grateful to the entire team at the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute for the exceptional care and compassion they have shown our family," says Alejandra, Atticus's mother. "I'm overjoyed that Atticus can now live the life of a typical 17-year-old, participating in senior activities without restrictions, without the constant worry of blood counts or the fear of illness. He can finally live life to the fullest."
This holiday season and the new year mark a new chapter for Atticus as he embraces a cancer-free future and all the exciting opportunities it holds.
