Fourteen-year-old Julian Baquero of Brooklyn marked the end of a long battle with cancer by ringing the ceremonial bell at Maimonides Children’s Hospital on June 30, marking the end of his chemotherapy treatment.
The Dyker Heights teen was diagnosed with high-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in February 2024, when he was just 12 years old.
Baquero, a baseball lover and longtime New York Mets fan, was met with surprises from the Mets’ High-A affiliate team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, after completing his treatment. As part of the “ringing the bell” ceremony, he received a customized jersey and baseball cap from the team. He and his family were also giftedVIP tickets to an upcoming game, where Baquero has been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
In a video shared by staff at Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Baquero expressed his gratitude for the team of nurses and staff surrounding him.
“I’m speechless,” Baquero said. “Thank you very much for the gift, for the whole thing. Thank you so much for the things that you do for me… I feel like a person that is part of a family.”
Maimonides Medical Center and the Brooklyn Cyclones entered into a 10-year partnership in May 2021, renaming the stadium formerly known as MCU Park to Maimonides Park in Coney Island, where the Cyclones play their home games. Through the partnership, the hospital regularly hosts benefits and community experiences in collaboration with the minor league team.
In addition to the baseball team’s gifts, Baquero received a Sceptre 4K gaming monitor at the ceremony.
Baquero also brought gifts of his own, giving potted flowers to his entire medical team as a thank-you.
ALL is an aggressive blood cancer, accounting for more than 25% of childhood cancers. The disease has become increasingly treatable in recent years, posing a survival rate of 93% among children since 2010, according to PubMed.
Even throughout intense treatment — intrathecal chemotherapy requiring him to experience spinal taps, often without anesthesia — Baquero remained strong and showed remarkable determination. In recognition of his bravery, Baquero was given the certificate of courage by a nurse.
“Throughout your journey you faced each day with courage, resilience and hope,” the certificate read. “Your smile, your spirit and your perseverance have inspired everyone around you. Today we celebrate this important milestone and honor the amazing hero you are.”
“You are strong, you are brave, you are extraordinary,” the certificate finishes. “Keep being your amazing self.”
