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Alec’s Journey

Story Summary

Alec doesn’t let anything keep him on the sidelines. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that can frequently and easily break. He began receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Chicago in 2002 and has made amazing progress through advanced treatments. He now plays wheelchair sports, appears on television and attends college. He embodies the hope and confidence families and children find at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

TO SEE MORE OF ALEC’S INCREDIBLE STORY, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO

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Alec Cabacungan Obituary: What happened to him?

Alec Cabacungan has won the hearts of many as a young man who faced challenges and followed his love for sports broadcasting, even though he was born with a rare bone disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease. Read on to learn more about Alec Cabacungan’s Obituary and what happened to him.

Alec’s journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children, where he has been getting medical care and support since he was just two months old, has been quite remarkable. But what’s Alec’s story with Shriners Hospital ? Let’s dive into his inspiring tale and see where life has taken him.

Alec’s journey with OI has included many surgeries, over 60 broken bones, and lots of physical therapy. Despite these challenges, Alec’s determination and positive attitude have never wavered.

He not only chased his academic dreams at Northwestern University but also became a spokesperson and advocate for Shriners Hospitals for Children, raising awareness and funds for research, treatment, and support groups. So, what’s Alec been doing? Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

Alec’s Journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children

Alec was born with a severe form of OI, which needed a lot of medical care from Shriners Hospitals for Children. He had surgeries to put rods into his long bones, making them stronger and more stable.

He also got splinting and casting during his childhood, and his longtime physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Smith, has been an important part of his medical team at Shriners.

Alec’s medical journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children has not only helped him physically but has also inspired him to give back to the organization that has supported him throughout his life.

Alec’s Academic Pursuits

Despite his medical challenges, Alec pursued his academic dreams at Northwestern University, majoring in sports broadcasting.

He took a break from Northwestern in 2022 due to a recent setback with a broken shoulder, knee, and hip, needing post-surgery physical therapy at Shriners Hospital’s Oak Park Avenue center.

However, Alec’s passion for sports broadcasting has not faded, and he continues to work towards his career goals.

Alec’s Advocacy for Shriners Hospitals for Children

Alec has been a vocal advocate for Shriners Hospitals for Children, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

He took part in fundraising efforts, including commercials and public appearances, to support Shriners and inspire hope in other kids with disabilities.

Alec, along with his parents Alma and Gill Cabacungan, traveled across the country on behalf of Shriners, attending NBA, NFL, and college games to spread the word about OI and Shriners’ mission.

He also hosted his own YouTube show, interviewing athletes and honing his sportscasting and color commentary skills.

Alec’s Future Aspirations

Alec’s dreams go beyond his academic pursuits and advocacy for Shriners Hospitals for Children. He hopes to work for a major network one day, covering NBA games and the Super Bowl.

One of his biggest aspirations is to cover the Paralympics, and he aims to see more people with disabilities involved in sports journalism.

He has set his sights on the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and hopes to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in the sports media world.

What happened to Alec from Shriners Hospital?

Alec is doing well—he is currently in college at Northwestern University, majoring in sports broadcasting. He lives in a dorm and drives a specially modified van.

Alec’s dream is to work for a major network, covering sports events like the NBA and the Super Bowl. He also hopes to cover the Paralympics, intending to push the boundaries for people with disabilities in the sports media world.

Alec Cabacungan Obituary

There have been reports on some news portals suggesting that Alec Cabacungan has passed away. We want to clarify that Alec is doing well . Please disregard any news stating otherwise.

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Now in college, Alec Cabacungan says giving back to Shriners hospitals means giving hope to kids like him

Born with brittle bone disease, cabacungan has been part of the shriners family since he was 2 months old..

“I hope people realize that people with disabilities aren’t different than anyone else. You should expect us to do great things, too,” says 19-year-old TV spokesperson and budding sports broadcaster Alec Cabacungan.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Alec Cabacungan wants to be a sports broadcaster. It’s been his dream for as long as the 19-year-old Oak Park resident can recall.

Talking with him, you can sense his fighting spirit will make it happen, the spirit that has gotten him through a lifetime of surgeries and physical therapy.

You can see the determination in his infectious smile and the big brown eyes that have endeared him to thousands of TV viewers.

Cabacungan is THAT Alec, the patient ambassador/spokesman for Shriners Children’s Chicago (formerly Shriners Children’s Hospital) who, through a series of commercials the past seven years, has asked people to give generously to the nationwide hospital system and receive one of those “cuddly” red Teddy bear blankets as a thank-you.

He’s a young man on a mission.

Physical therapist Kathleen Sweeney talks to Alec Cabacungan as he does leg strengthening and flexibility exercises during a physical therapy session at Shriners Children’s Chicago in the Montclare neighborhood.

Born with brittle bone disease — osteogenesis imperfecta, or OI, a genetic bone disorder blamed on a lack of or abnormal collagen in the bones, causing them to break frequently and easily — Cabacungan has been part of the Shriners family since he was 2 months old.

He’s undergone countless operations, having broken over 60 bones in his lifetime. His most recent procedure was in December, after his wheelchair flipped while he was wheeling across a snowy sidewalk, leaving him with a broken left shoulder, right knee and left hip.

It was a setback not only physically but academically, too. He’s had to take a leave of absence from Northwestern University, where he’s majoring in sports broadcasting, to undergo the intense post-surgery physical therapy at the Oak Park Avenue hospital center.

“Alex has a relatively severe form of the disease,” says Dr. Peter Smith, Cabacungan’s longtime physician and surgeon at Shriners. “He was born with fractures and bowing of the long bones of his arms and legs. So he required lots of splinting and casting when he was younger and subsequently surgery on most of the long bones of his body to put in intramedullary rods to make the bones stronger. It makes the bone more straight, more stable so it doesn’t break so much.”

The life-changing rods were invented at Shriners more than 70 years ago, Smith says. “It revolutionized the care of children with the disease because it made it possible for them to move around better and have less fractures. They were now able to be out of the house and go to school and do all of the things that they could not previously do.”

Alec Cabacungan on a basketball court named for him at Shriners Children’s Chicago.

Pat Nabong / Sun-Times

For Cabacungan, it meant being able to live a fuller life, including playing wheelchair basketball — Shriners named its onsite basketball court in his honor — and attending “regular school like his sisters and his friends.”

He graduated from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Oak Park River Forest High School, and “everyone was tremendous at school. There was no bullying. I had a great support group, from students to faculty to parents, who always looked out for me. I mean, it was tough at times, being the only kid in school in a wheelchair, but they never made me feel out of place.

“I always hung out with the sports kids, and they always made me feel awesome,” he says. “In sixth grade, I found wheelchair sports and got really involved with the Chicago Park District’s adaptive sports programs. From sixth grade on, I played wheelchair basketball and wheelchair softball, and that’s when I really felt like I was part of a team.”

These days, he’s focused on college at Northwestern, where he lives in a dorm and drives a specially modified van. But Cabacungan says he also wants to continue “to give back to Shriners,” to give hope to kids like him and their families.

Dr. Peter Smith with Alec Cabacungan, who has been his patient at Shriners Children’s Chicago for 19 years.

“When I was in sixth or seventh grade, someone from administration asked my family and I to participate in a commercial fundraising effort for the hospital,” Cabacungan says. “Shriners has helped me in every aspect of my life, so my family and I decided that, if it was gonna help the hospital and the kids, we were gonna do it.”

“In any kind of rare disease, the dissemination of information serves several functions,” Smith says. “It allows parents and others to rally together to raise money and awareness for research, treatment and support groups for families, for example. Alec has raised the awareness for Shriners tremendously. It takes someone like Alec who’s got that great, feisty personality.”

In addition to the commercials (which often co-star Montreal-based Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres , his pal and “little brother,” whom he calls “King Kaleb”), Cabacungan and his parents Alma and Gill Cabacungan travel the country on behalf of Shriners. He’s attended NBA, NFL and college games across the country, getting the word out about OI and Shriners — and honed his sportscasting/color commentary skills. He has hosted his own YouTube show, interviewing athletes across the sports spectrum.

“I’ve always been a sports nut,” Cabacungan says. “When I was younger, I was watching guys like Derrick Rose and Devin Hester in Chicago just do these freakishly [incredible] things during games. And, to me, they were superheroes. I always knew I wasn’t gonna be seven feet tall and jump out at the gym. But my dad and I, we played a lot of games at home, and he always wanted me to be at my best. Sports was always a way for us to bond.”

He’s even met some of his idols, including Tiger Woods, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Zion Williamson and Brett Favre. “I’ve met some pretty amazing people,” he says. “The little kid in me always gets excited.”

Cabacungan hopes one day to work for a major network, “call an NBA game, cover the Super Bowl.” But he’d especially love to cover the Paralympics.

“I would like to see more people with disabilities cover the Paralympics because I’m not the only person with a physical disability who wants to do sports journalism. I’d like to be able to do that in 2024, cover the summer Paralympics in Paris. I want to push the boundaries for people with disabilities in the sports media world.

Shriners Children’s Chicago provides all medical care, testing, treatment and therapy for patients up through 18 years old regardless of ability to pay.

“I never felt like people could stop me, even though in the back of my mind I can never forget about my disability,” Cabacungan says. “There are lots of obstacles that people with disabilities just have to face in their lives in general. I was on top of the world last November. And then the accident happened, and it changed the trajectory of the next four months. There are definitely times when I get down on myself. I feel like I’m competing more with myself than anybody else.

“I just hope people realize that people with disabilities aren’t different than anyone else,” he says. “We have feelings, we have a heart, and we shouldn’t be treated differently just because we look different. I hope that’s OK to say. That’s how I go about my life. You should expect us to do great things, too.”

And, yes, he says with a laugh, those are “really good quality” Shriners bear blankets.

Shriners Hospitals is a system of 22 children’s hospitals supported by the Masonic  Shriners International fraternity . This year marks the 100th birthday of its original Shreveport, Louisiana, location — the Oak Park Avenue location in Chicago opened in 1926. It provides all medical care, testing, treatment and therapy for patients up through 18 years old regardless of ability to pay.

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Alec and Dr. Peter Smith talk about his lifelong connection to Shriners Children's and osteogenesis imperfecta care.

Alec and His Doctor

Melanie Cole (Host): Our topic today is osteogenesis imperfecta, and the story of an inspirational young man. My guests today are Alec Cabacungan, he's the national patient spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Dr. Peter Smith. He's an attending orthopedic surgeon and Director of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Clinic at Shriners Hospitals for Children Chicago. Welcome to the show, gentlemen. Alec, I'd love to start with you. Tell us a little bit about your story. What's going on? Tell us how you've been.

Alec Cabacungan (Guest): Well thank you very much for having me on. I'm doing really good. I'm healthy, I'm actually in Shriners right now getting treatment, so everything's going really smoothly. My bones are really feeling good. I'm really happy to be here.

Melanie: So tell us a little bit about how it all began for you, and what your parents noticed, and how they came to Shriners.

Alec: Well my parents knew during birth that I was going to be- that I was going to have osteogenesis imperfecta. My parents found out about Shriners Hospitals for children, and they realized that we have one of the best osteogenesis imperfecta clinics here. And they started coming here, and everything just fell into shape. I'm getting my treatment here, I'm getting my rehab here at Shriners Hospital for Children. Everything has just been very- we were just very blessed to have Shriners in our life.

Melanie: Tell us why you love the hospital so much. Tell us about the team that's been helping you, including Dr. Smith.

Alec: Yeah, the nurses- they've been a part of my life since I was young. I know all of them because I'm at the hospital so much. Dr. Smith, he's family to us. He's done all my surgeries, he's given me advice that I'll take forever. My therapists Kathleen, Lisa, Brielle, they've all been awesome. They've helped me overcome a lot of obstacles and I can't thank each and every one of them enough.

Melanie: You said he gave you great advice. Tell us some of the bits of advice and/or hope that Dr. Smith has been with you for so long, and he's like family. Tell us some of what he told you, Alec.

Alec: Well Dr. Smith, he's always been by my side. He's always been my biggest supporter. He told me when I need to work out a little more, he told me when I need to get a little bit stronger. He's helped me understand that I'll be different, but I just have to embrace it. So without Dr. Smith, I don't know what would happen to me.

Melanie: The hospital recently named an indoor basketball court after you. What did you think of that?

Alec: Well, it's awesome. I have spent hours on that court practicing my basketball skills, and finding my love for sports. I took my first steps on that court, I've shown my friends the court. It's awesome. Shriners has been so great to me, and I'm just so humble.

Melanie: What's your favorite sport?

Alec: Basketball.

Melanie: It is, and you and I were mentioning off the air that you also have baseball practice. How many sports are you playing?

Alec: I'm playing only two sports. Got a lot of travel.

Melanie: Yeah, it's really great that you love sports so much. Now tell us about other families. What do you want other families- because we've seen you in the commercials, and you're so inspirational, Alec. What do you want other families to know about Shriners, and why they should come there for their treatment?

Alec: Shriners Hospitals for Children will help any family, regardless of the family's ability to pay. We help a lot of rare medical conditions from burns to cleft lip and palate to scoliosis. If your child needs care, then Shriners can help you. We have cutting edge technology here. For example, the EOS machine, which is amazing. I actually used it today. It was really cool. But Shriners, they're not just going to be there for you physically, but they'll also help you mentally. They have helped me learn that I'm more than just a kid in a wheelchair. They've helped me achieve my dreams and Shriners is awesome. I will recommend it to anybody.

Melanie: What a wonderful spokesman you are for that hospital. You want to work there one day?

Alec: Thank you very much. I would love to become a Shriner one day.

Melanie: Good for you, that's so awesome. Now Dr. Smith, just fill the listeners in a little bit about osteogenesis imperfecta, and also that you're doing that exciting research on the bone rodding techniques, and that they were developed there in Chicago at Shriners. Tell us a little bit about how that helped Alec.

Dr. Peter Smith, M.D. (Guest): Yeah, that's right. So our hospital has been interested in this rare condition for many years, even going way back before my time. I've only been here twenty-six years, and before that, even fifty years ago, there was an interest in this condition. And our understanding of it has grown, it's a genetic condition that affects one of the building blocks of bone so that the bone is brittle and breaks more easily. And also children affected and also too can have bowing, short stature, and these frequent fractures which are a big problem with their day-to-day life.

Fortunately it's been recognized for a long time that the intelligence of these individuals is superb, and therefore it's a terrific condition to treat, because if we can make the life tolerable for them so they can move around, and they can sort of fulfill their dreams, and be very active and productive people, like Alec.

Melanie: So tell us a little bit about the rodding technique, and what did that do for him?

Dr. Smith: Yeah, so it was developed at our hospital, like I said, about forty years ago, a technique to place metal rods within the canals of the bones, and in this way to reinforce them so they don't break as often. This is a surgery now that we can do mostly with using imaging x-rays and relatively small incisions. But it is a fairly technical and I would say difficult procedure for the surgeons to do, but also for the patients- the children to go through. But now we have rods that will actually grow with the children so they have to have less of these surgeries, and they can spend more time at home and school and the other places they're supposed to be.

Melanie: So Alec, last word to you. Just kind of give us a little bit of an overview of what you want all of us to understand about not only your role as the national patient spokesperson, which is quite a distinction, it's really amazing, but what you want us to understand about children such as yourself, and seeing you turn sixteen, and have this great distinction helping Shriners. Speak about your condition, and others. Tell us what you want us to know about you.

Alec: Well I just want everyone to know that I'm more than just a kid in a wheelchair. I would hope that people understand I'm pretty smart, I hope. I just want everyone to respect me. I might be different, but I still have a heart, I still have a brain, so I just hope that everyone can one day see past my disability and judge me based off of my beliefs and my emotions or my personality. I'm just thankful for everyone at Shriners Hospitals for Children. I'm very thankful to be on the show, so it's just been really fun. So I don't really know what to say because everyone's just so nice to me, and I just can't say anything but thank you.

Melanie: And we are all smiling as a result of everything you just said. Alec, thank you, and Dr. Smith, thank you so much again for joining us and explaining how you helped Alec. And Alec, we're all cheering for you, and I think that was a great summary of how you would like people to treat you, and to understand you as a person. So thank you so much for all the great work that you're doing on behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children Chicago. This is Pediatric Specialty Care Spotlight with Shriners Hospitals for Children Chicago. For more information you can visit www.ShrinersChicago.org. That's www.ShrinersChicago.org. I'm Melanie Cole, thanks so much for tuning in.

About The Speakers

Alec cabacungan, patient, and peter smith, m.d..

Dr. Peter Smith, M.D., is director of the osteogenesis imperfecta at Shriners Children's Chicago.

Learn more about Dr. Peter Smith

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Patient Ambassador, Alec

Meet Alec, Shriners Hospitals for Children National Spokesperson

You may recognize 16-year-old Alec from the various commercials for Shriners Hospitals for Children that have aired nationally. Alec, a patient of Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, has become a popular television star, been interviewed on numerous national news and talk shows, and has captured the hearts of many with his adorable smile and charming personality.

The Story Behind the Star

Alec lives in the suburbs of Chicago, and is quite the active teenager. From playing wheelchair softball and basketball, to assistant coaching tee-ball, he loves just about any sport. However, because he has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, Alec’s approach to his favorite activities is a little different.

OI is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that can frequently and easily break, which can make it hard for Alec to participate in sports. The underlying cause of OI is a lack of collagen – or abnormal collagen – in the bones that prevents them from absorbing appropriate minerals and developing correctly.

Alec has been going to the Chicago Shriners Hospital for treatment since 2002. Since then, he has made great progress thanks to receiving customized treatment from our rehabilitation specialists. Alec receives intravenous (IV) infusions of pamidronate, a medication that slows down the process of bone resorption and improves bone mass. He also routinely visits the hospital for physical therapy, and has had several surgeries.

Thanks to the outstanding care and innovative treatment Alec receives at the Chicago Shriners Hospital, his muscles are strengthening and his bones are breaking less often. This provides Alec with more opportunities to indulge in his passion for sports.

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Helping Dreams Become Reality

Thanks to the health care system’s focus on improving the quality of life of patients and families, Alec has developed a level of confidence that has opened up a world of opportunities.

Knowing that Alec hopes to be a sports broadcaster someday, the hospital staff has done what it can to encourage faith in that dream. During the NFL Draft weeks in 2015, 2016 and 2017, patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children had the chance to experience the excitement of the draft first-hand when players visited during a Prospect Community Visit. During these events, Alec was given the opportunity to conduct interviews with NFL Draft prospects, which were featured on the NFL website. Alec also created a web-based sports show, Smart Alec on Sports, to follow his dream of being a sports anchor/broadcaster.

In May 2018, the Chicago Shriners Hospital dedicated their indoor basketball court to Alec, naming it “Alec’s Court.” Alec has also received several awards, including the 2017-2018 Shriners International Imperial Potentate’s Medallion and 2018 Most Inspirational Award at the Fourth Annual Night of Champions sponsored by Oak Park, Illinois’ Wednesday Journal . He was also on national championship teams for the National Wheelchair Junior Basketball Championships in 2015, and the National Wheelchair Junior Softball Championships in 2015 and 2016.

Alec has traveled extensively to represent Shriners Hospitals for Children, including to the East-West Game, Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Tournament of Roses Parade, Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic and Shriners International Imperial Session. At the 2018 East-West Shrine Game, Alec had the opportunity to be on-camera in the NFL Network announcer booth during the game and to attend team practices. He has also been an honored speaker at many events for both the health care system and fraternity, Shriners International.

Over the years, Alec has been a tremendous voice for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and has appeared in numerous national commercials, representing the many patients whose lives have been changed forever by the health care system. He has also been a featured guest on many television shows, sharing his appreciation everywhere he goes.

“Without Shriners Hospitals for Children, I wouldn’t be able to dream as big as I do,” said Alec. “I know anything is possible because the staff remind me all the time that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I live a full life because of Shriners Hospitals.”

Alec is just one of many children who have benefited from the hope and healing found at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

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Alec's mission

December 1, 2019 / 9:24 AM EST / CBS News

There are few places both as hopeful and as heartbreaking as a children's hospital, especially around the holidays. While there are many, chances are you may know Shriners Hospitals for Children because of one very special patient.

"I used to be known as just that kid in the wheelchair, and now I'm Alec on the commercials, and that's special to me," said 17-year-old Alec Cabacungan of Chicago.

If you've seen him, he's pretty hard to forget; Cabacungan is one of the spokes-kids for Shriners:

"Imagine a kid who was told his disability would be a lifelong struggle; now imagine a place where that same kid is told he can do anything. I don't have to imagine, because that kid is me."

Since he started doing these ads five years ago, donations have skyrocketed.

"Those kids see him as a mentor, and that's who he's kind of become," said producer and director Tracy Trost, who handpicked Cabacungan for a reason: "He's special … He has this life force in him that not a lot of people have. I don't know, I just fell in love with him."

Shriners, known for their tall crimson hats, is a fraternal brotherhood that's been doing charity work for more than 150 years. Cabacungan helps spread their mission. With 22 hospitals all around North America, that means he's on the road about 80 days a year.

It's a demanding job for anyone, let alone someone whose bones are about as fragile as a tea cup. "I've broken over 60 bones in my lifetime," he said. "It'll be with me for my life. I'll live with it until I die."

That's what brought Cabacungan to Shriners in the first place – a rare genetic disorder called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as brittle bone disease.

His parents, Alma and Gill, got the news before he was born.

Correspondent Lee Cowan asked, "What did you guys think when the doctors first told you?"

"Pretty scary," Alma replied.

"It was a very emotional moment for us," Gill said. "We tried for our fourth child, and hopefully it was going to be a son. And when we learned it was a son, and learned that he had a disability, it was quite emotional."

Brittle bone disease is just what it sounds like. Alec's bones are so delicate he could crack a rib even with something as simple as a sneeze. Physical therapy helps, but there is no cure.

His longtime physician at Shriners in Chicago is orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Smith, an expert in brittle bone disease. "I'm healthy right now, so right now we're staying away from Dr. Smith," he laughed.

He's like any other kid – into video games, and more recently cars. In fact, he's going for his driver's license. There are pedal extensions so he can reach the accelerator and the brake, but that's about it. "My first right turn, I drove into a ditch," he laughed. "Today's going to be better, I promise you!"

He's been doing so well with his lessons that his parents surprised him with his very own car, giving him the feeling of independence any teen gets, but for Alec, infinitely more.

Alma said, "He doesn't want to have any special treatment; he wants to be treated like everyone else, and I think that's probably one of the things he has to fight for the most."

Everything he does he does with gusto, including wheelchair basketball.  "It's the contact, it's the fast pace, it's everything you have in sports except just in a wheelchair," he said. "No limits."

Sports, just about any sport, is his escape. Cabacungan plays so often here, the Shriners even named the court after him.  "This place is very special to me," he said. "I took my first steps on this court. This is home."

He's thought of being a sports broadcaster, in fact, which explains the makeshift TV studio in Alec's bedroom. Years ago, he started his own YouTube channel called Smart Alec on Sports .

Turns out he's an encyclopedia of stats and trivia.  He was so good, TNT even welcomed him on its NBA halftime show :

He makes it all look so easy, but of course, none of it really is.  "There's a lot of tough days where I just, I wanna sometimes just give up and I wanna just stop and … it's hard to live with, but there's a lotta kids who have more challenges in life, and I'm pretty fortunate."

"But doing that every day isn't easy," said Cowan.

"It's not easy. It's not hard , though."

Hard is relative in Alec's life – always has been. But behind him every step of the way have been his parents, a fact that during one video shoot with his mother and father overwhelmed him, when his grateful heart seemed like it was about to burst. He said, "You wanted the best care, the best doctors, nurses and staff for your baby son. And I just want to tell you guys, I love you mamma, and I love you dad."

How could anything be more genuine than that?

In this season of giving, we all can receive a little something from Alec Cabacungan – a lesson in what grace really looks like.

"I don't know too much about what will happen to me in the future," he said. "But if something bad does happen, I know that we'll get through it. I know tomorrow is gonna be a better day. And if it's not, then I can make it a better day."

        For more info:

• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• Follow Alec Cabacungan on  Twitter  and  Instagram
• Smart Alec on Sports  (YouTube)

          Story produced by Jon Carras. 

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Alec’s Journey – SHC – TV

Alec was only two months old the first time he visited Shriners Hospitals for Children to be treated for osteogenesis imperfecta. Since then, Alec has endured 18 operations and thousands of hours of rehabilitation so that he is able to live a full, independent life.

In this PSA from Shriners Hospitals for Children, you will see Alec’s Journey . You will also learn about the exceptional pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs which make Shriners Hospitals for Children the best care anywhere.

Join Shriners Hospitals for Children in improving the lives of children like Alec by airing their new spot, Alec’s Journey, today. When you do you may just help a family in your community find the life-changing care they need regardless of their ability to pay.

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Alec and Kaleb: Inspiring Figures of Resilience at Shriners Hospitals

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 hospitals across North America that provides specialized care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The organization is famous as they are committed to providing world-class medical care to children regardless of their ability to pay.

Introduction to Alec and Kaleb

Two remarkable patients who have become well-known figures within the Shriners community are Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres. Both Alec and Kaleb were born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily. Despite the challenges they face, they have shown incredible resilience and determination in overcoming their medical conditions.

Alec’s Story

Alec’s journey began when he was diagnosed with brittle bone disease at just two months old. He has been a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children ever since, receiving life-changing care that has allowed him to live a full and active life. Despite the pain and mobility issues caused by his condition, Alec has never let it hold him back. He has become a spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, raising awareness and funds for the organization through his advocacy efforts.

Kaleb’s Journey

Kaleb’s story is equally inspiring. He also was born with brittle bone disease, but Kaleb has faced numerous challenges throughout his life. However, he has never let his condition define him. Instead, he has used his experiences to inspire others. Kaleb has become a patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals, appearing in commercials and sharing his story to raise awareness about the organization’s mission.

Shining in the Spotlight: Alec and Kaleb’s Media and Event Engagements

Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres have made appearances in various media and events, their inspiring journeys and the work of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Alec has appeared in several television commercials and documentaries that showcase his story and the impact of Shriners Hospitals on his life. He has also been a guest on various talk shows, where he has shared his experiences and raised awareness about the organization’s mission.

Kaleb has also made appearances in commercials and documentaries, sharing his story and inspiring others with his resilience and determination. He has attended events hosted by Shriners organizations worldwide, where he has met other patients and families and shared his experiences.

Through their appearances in media and events, Alec and Kaleb have helped to raise awareness about the critical work being done by Shriners Hospitals for Children. They have also inspired others with their stories, demonstrating the transformative power of sharing personal narratives.

🌟 Curious About “ Do Alec and Kaleb Get Paid For Commercials ?” Uncover the Truth Behind Their Inspiring Stories! 🌟 Join us in unraveling the behind-the-scenes reality of their media engagements!

Impact on Shriners Hospitals and Beyond

Both Alec and Kaleb’s stories have had a significant impact on raising awareness for Shriners Hospitals. By sharing their personal experiences, they have helped to break down stigmas and misconceptions surrounding medical conditions like brittle bone disease. Their stories have also inspired others to support the organization’s fundraising efforts, ensuring that more children can receive the life-changing care they need.

The impact of Alec and Kaleb’s stories extends beyond Shriners Hospitals. By sharing their personal narratives, they have demonstrated the power of storytelling in healthcare advocacy. Personal stories can foster empathy, understanding, and unity among people from diverse backgrounds. They can also help to raise awareness about important issues and inspire action.

In conclusion, Alec and Kaleb’s journeys are a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Their stories have inspired countless individuals. Their life stories have had a significant impact on raising awareness for Shriners Hospitals. Highlighting individual stories, we can promote awareness and support for organizations like Shriners Hospitals.

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Shriners Hospitals for Children TV Spot, 'Alec's Journey: Thank You'

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Check out Shriners Hospitals for Children's 60 second TV commercial, 'Alec's Journey: Thank You' from the Hospitals & Clinics industry. Keep an eye on this page to learn about the songs, characters, and celebrities appearing in this TV commercial. Share it with friends, then discover more great TV commercials on iSpot.tv

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17-Yr-Old With Brittle Bone Disease Inspires Countless Children In Hospital.

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If you’ve ever seen an advertisement for Shriners Hospitals for Children, you’ve probably “met” Alec Cabacungan of Chicago.

Over the years, Alec has become the cheerful and resilient face of the many kids who seek treatment and solace within the hospital’s walls, and it’s not hard to understand why. The 17-year-old high school student conquers every challenge that comes his way – and inspires everyone he meets in the process.

Alec started going to Shriners when he was just 2 months old because he was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. As a result, he’s broken more than 60 bones, but he hasn’t let that keep him from pursuing his passion for sports.

In fact, he’s spent countless hours shooting hoops and scrimmaging with other kids who use wheelchairs on the hospital’s basketball court. “This place is very special to me,” he said . “I took my first steps on this court. This is home.”

So when Shriners decided to thank him for years of hard work with a special tribute in 2018, they knew just what to do. They named the court after the teenager who has given so much of himself to help others!

“We receive letters on a daily basis from people all over the country who are touched by Alec, by his life, his can-do spirit, and his warm personality,” said Stephanie Herron, Shriners’ chief development officer. “In a world that is so often filled with cynicism and turmoil, Alec brings people joy and gives them hope.”

Now when people step foot on this basketball court, they’ll instantly be reminded that we all have the ability to be strong, humble, and kind – regardless of our circumstances. Keep up the great work, Alec!

Watch the video below to learn more about Alec’s journey, and don’t forget to share .

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You know him as the Shriners TV spokesman. The Pacers call him their intern extraordinaire

I NDIANAPOLIS − On the second day of his internship with the Indiana Pacers , Alec Cabacungan was introduced to Larry Bird. Cabacungan smiled, shook Bird's hand and thought to himself, "Wow, this is super cool."

Cabacungan was a bit starstruck by the basketball legend, to say the least, but he kept it professional, as he always does. He is pretty familiar with the song and dance of celebrity encounters. But nine times out of 10, he's usually on the other side of things.

He is usually the one making other people starstruck . Cabacungan is, after all, a legend in his own right.

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For the past 10 years, Cabacungan has been the face of Shriners Hospitals for Children as a national spokesperson. He's appeared in countless ads , touting the doctors and nurses, the surgeons and the physical therapists at the global healthcare system, which recently was rebranded simply as Shriners Children's.

And this summer, as he worked for the Pacers on multiple different teams, including digital, broadcast and production, he was garnering the same kind of fan adoration as those NBA stars he was working for.

At a draft party held in June for Pacers' season ticket holders, Robyn Fuhrman watched as people approached Cabacungan. "Hey, what are you doing here?" they said. "You're the guy from Shriners." Cabacungan was there shadowing and helping Fuhrman, who is the director of digital partnerships for Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

"But at one point, I became his photographer," Fuhrman said, as people walked up asking for pictures with Cabacungan. "It was fun for me to see how big his brand is."

"Every time I would go to work, every time I'd leave work, people in Indianapolis would always stop their cars, they would always honk, they'd always yell out of their windows," said Cabacungan, 21. "They would say, 'Hi,' to me on the streets."

There Cabacungan was in the flesh right before their very eyes, that guy they knew from all those television commercials.

"People always tell me they feel like they've seen me grow up on TV, they feel like they know me, they feel like I'm a part of their family," Cabacungan, who is majoring in journalism at Northwestern University, told IndyStar, "and it's an honor."

Cabacungan, who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, was 11 years old when he first took to television screens across the nation as a tiny boy with a sweet, high-pitched voice talking about his love for Shriners Children's.

He started going to the hospital when he was two months old due to his rare genetic disorder which, according to Shriners, affects the bones, causing them to break easily and possibly causing deformities.

Cabacungan has broken more than 60 bones throughout his life, had 18 surgeries and endured thousands of hours of rehabilitation. Because of Shriners, he says, he is an adult able to live an independent life.

And this summer, that life got pretty good when it brought Cabacungan to Indianapolis to live out his dream, working for an NBA team.

Which helped Cabacungan build a resume for his ultimate dream career − taking to television, once again, as a sports broadcaster.

'A full circle moment'

Cabacungan was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, nine miles west of Chicago. Growing up, he played wheelchair basketball on the south side of Chicago, and he was good.

He absolutely loved the sport and so, of course, he was a devout Chicago Bulls fan, rooting for his basketball idol, Derrick Rose. He loved the Chicago Bears, too.

As a little boy, Cabacungan would fantasize about someday being one of those star athletes.

"When I realized I wasn't going to be seven feet tall and 300 pounds, I had to figure out what was the next best thing," said Cabacungan. "To me, that was watching guys like Stuart Scott, Ernie Johnson, and seeing how much fun they had as they talked about sports."

When Cabacungan was in high school, at 15 years old, he was invited to be a host on TNT's "Inside the NBA," alongside his broadcast hero Ernie Johnson, as well as Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.

He wore a suit with a bow tie to emulate Johnson's signature look. Immediately after introductions, Johnson said on air how much he appreciated that bow tie. "What about the rest of us?" Barkley quipped. "Yeah, would you do anything for us?" Smith asked.

"Well, I was going to shave my head, but..." Cabacungan said as the panel burst into laughter.

Things quickly turned serious as O'Neal talked about what it meant to have Cabacungan on the show.

"You know how when we all played at places like L.A. and New York, and you see a superstar? That's how I felt when I came in the building today (and saw you)," O'Neal said. "I was like, 'I know you from somewhere, from the commercial.' You do a great job on those commercials."

And now, Cabacungan is a senior in college, and he just spent his summer interning for the Pacers.

"I mean, that's a really cool, full circle moment," he said. "Really cool."

'A second away from the spotlight to just be an intern'

Cabacungan landed his gig with the Pacers as part of the Gregory S. Fehribach Center internship program for college students with physical disabilities.

During his time with the Pacers, working inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Cabacungan says he "did intern type stuff," collecting data, researching stories and keeping track of trends. But it was so much more than that.

Cabacungan had a rotational internship, working a few weeks each in multiple departments, including game operations, digital marketing, tickets, facilities and getting an opportunity to see all facets of the business.

While working for her department, Fuhrman said, Cabacungan was impressive, chipping in with "refreshing and unique ideas from a different perspective" during brainstorming sessions. He asked so many great questions, she said, and was always wanting to learn more and understand why things were being done a certain way.

"I was very, very impressed by his maturity, impressed by how he carries himself and his self-awareness," Fuhrman said. On top of that, Cabacungan was an absolute professional, beating her to the office every single day. Not only was he never late, he was always early.

And while Cabacungan got recognized as the guy from Shriners quite a bit, he never let that distract him. "He was soaking everything up, learning, gaining all the knowledge," Fuhrman said. "It was really cool he got a second (away from the spotlight) to just be an intern."

Cabacungan said it was a dream come true, to be inside the halls where an NBA team creates its magic.

"I just really learned a ton. I got a great opportunity to network with some of the best minds in entertainment in the NBA, and I got to work for a world-class organization this summer," he said. "So, it was awesome."

Rick Fuson, president and chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment was a mentor to Cabacungan, giving him "a lot of great life advice." Allison Barber, president and chief operating officer of the Fever did the same. "She was extremely kind to me as well, extremely kind."

The organization invited Cabacungan to make a presentation to more than 70 members of the Pacers staff in July, during Disability Pride Month. Cabacungan talked about how people with disabilities are integral parts of society and how they should be perceived.

"The Pacers were very welcoming," Cabacungan said. "They were very open. They were very helpful."

The Pacers also gave Cabacungan the opportunity to give his thoughts on the accessibility at their fieldhouse.

"I thought Gainbridge was an incredibly beautiful facility that was extremely accessible for people with disabilities," he said. "They have done a really good job of making sure that it is accessible for all their fans and all their employees, so I appreciate them for that."

Outside of Gainbridge, that's not always the case, Cabacungan said. And he is a fierce advocate for people with disabilities.

"One of my biggest struggles is physical infrastructure, and how there are still buildings that are not compliant. There are still buildings that are not accessible," he said. "It's a big problem."

In his spare time, Cabacungan coaches wheelchair basketball and helps youth in Chicago find adaptive sports and a community that welcomes them.

"I still want to be a TV sports broadcaster. I'd love to one day host my own sports show. But I also am trying to figure out where I fall in this disability advocacy side of things," he said. "There are a lot of problems and I want to be a part of a lot of the solutions. So, we'll figure it out."

No matter what his future holds moving forward, Cabacungan said he will always carry a piece of Indianapolis and the Pacers with him. And he will be one of their biggest fans.

"I can't wait to see what the Pacers do this season," he said, "and what Indianapolis does for the NBA All-Star Game. I know that they're doing a lot of big things. I can't wait to see Indianapolis in front of the bright lights."

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X:  @DanaBenbow . Reach her via email:  [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: You know him as the Shriners TV spokesman. The Pacers call him their intern extraordinaire

SINGER, WRITER, SPEAKER

Kechi Okwuchi is grateful for Shriners Hospitals for Children ® and excited to give back. In 2005, she was one of only two survivors of a plane crash in Nigeria. She suffered third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body and has endured more than 100 surgeries. Her journey includes five years of treatment in Texas at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Galveston, and she credits the care she received with giving her independence and confidence.

Kechi was a finalist on the television show America’s Got Talent in 2017 and returned as a finalist on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019. She now serves as an ambassador for multiple organizations to advocate for burn survivors, youth empowerment, bullying prevention and sustainable living. She wants to use her story to inspire others and spread hope.

KECHI ON THE ALEC SHOW

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