Alec Cabacungan, the boy with the contagious smile and feisty personality, has become a household name for Shriners Children’s Hospital Network ever since appearing in his first fundraising commercial in 2014 when he was just twelve years old.
Alec and his family are no strangers to the non-profit organization, having been part of the institution since he was only two months old.
Let’s take a look at Alec Cabacungan’s story, as he went from being a Shriners Hospital patient to a famous commercial spokesperson.
A Quick Look at Alec Cabacungan’s Biography
| Full Name | Alec Cabacungan |
| Date of Birth | May 8th, 2002, in Oak Park, Illinois, The United States |
| Father name | Gil Cabacungan |
| Mother name | Alma Cabacungan |
| Siblings | 3 older sisters, Kirsten, Isabella, and Juliana |
Who is Alec Cabacungan, the Young Man with the Fighting Spirit?
Alec Cabacungan was born on May 8th, 2002, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Gil and Alma Cabacungan.
His story begins when his parents found out about his genetic disease before he was born.
Of finding out the news, Gil said, “It was a very emotional moment for us. 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.”
Alec’s road has not been easy. He was born with a severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as “brittle bone disease.”
His long-time physician, Dr. Peter Smith, recounts that Alec, “was born with fractures and bowing of the long bones of his arms and legs.”
Overall, Alec has had over 60 broken bones and countless surgeries, yet he continues with a fighting spirit that will not allow him to give up.
During a 2019 interview with CBS News, Alec said, “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.”
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What Disease Does Alec from Shriners Hospital Suffer From?
Alec was born with a rare, permanent genetic bone disorder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), which causes bones that break frequently and easily due to abnormal collagen formation in the bones.
Type I Collagen is important in bone formation. However, those who suffer from OI either fail to produce Collagen Type I or their body creates a defective version of it.
Being a genetic disease, it can be passed down from either parent; however, it can also happen due to spontaneous mutations.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists eight different types of OI, which vary by severity. Type I OI is the mildest form, while Type III is the most severe.
There is no cure for OI. The only treatments available involve physical therapy, bone-strengthening medication, and surgery to introduce intramedullary rods.
According to the Brittle Bone Society, OI occurs in approximately one in every 15,000 births.
Does Alec Have Teeth Issues Due to His Disease?
Contrary to rumors online, Alec does have teeth.
Because OI affects bone formation and fragility, individuals with the disease may have a deformed jaw and smaller, weaker teeth than usual.
As a result, people often wonder if Alec lacks teeth because of the shape of his face.
Alec’s teeth, as is the case for other individuals with OI, are more prone to breakage, cavities, and other dental problems.
He must take special care of his oral hygiene and use special toothpaste and mouthwash.
Regular oral cleanings and check-ups are a must for those suffering from OI.
Alec’s Personal Life, Family Life, Education, and Net Worth
Alec’s family, which includes parents, Gil and Alma, and older sisters, Kirsten, Isabella, and Juliana, has lived in Oak Park, Illinois, for the past 26 years.
Alec attended Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Oak Park River Forest High School.
Of his early school years, Alec said,
“Everyone was tremendous at school. There was no bullying. I had a great support group, from students to faculty to parents…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.”
In sixth grade, Alec started playing adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball and softball. Being part of a team made him feel included and gave him a good escape.
After high school, he enrolled at Northwestern University, where in 2024, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Broadcasting Journalism.
His dream is to someday work for a major network and “to push the boundaries for people with disabilities in the sports media world.”
During his time at university, Alec lived in the dorms, and he drove a modified van. A welcome breath of independence for the charismatic young man.
It is unknown if Alec is currently involved in a romantic relationship.
According to online sources, Alec Cabacungan has an estimated net worth of around $5 million; however, he has never publicly disclosed this figure himself, and estimates may vary depending on the source.
Where is Alec now?
Alec is still alive; therefore, there are no obituaries to be found for him, despite what is said online.
After graduating from Northwest University, Alec took to Instagram on December 28, 2024, to say,
“Grew up in a hospital and ended up interning at the White House…the staff that welcomed me and the amazing broadcast and consumer media team that made this experience unforgettable.”
In a LinkedIn post, Gabi Garcia, Communications Director at the U.S. House of Representatives, gave “A special shout-out to my intern Alec Cabacungan who was an asset to the White House’s broadcast and consumer media teams.”
The Story Behind Alec Cabacungan’s Journey from Shriners Hospital Patient to Famous Commercial Spokesperson
Alec and his family were approached by Shriners Hospital administrators when he was in 6th or 7th grade to contribute to their fundraising efforts.
His first commercial appearance was when he was just twelve years old.
Alec said he agreed to support the institution that has given him so much, stating that “if it was gonna help the hospital and the kids, we were gonna do it.”
Since then, Alec has become one of the most recognizable faces linked to Shriners as he shares his touching story of resilience while offering a cuddly red teddy bear blanket in exchange for financial support.
Chris Wallace, Fox News anchor, has even described Alec as “the face of Shriners.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How to contact Alec Cabacungan?
Here are the ways Alec Cabacungan’s public presence suggests you can follow or reach out:
Through Social Media and Online Platforms
- YouTube: He is the creator of Smart Alec on Sports.
- TikTok
Through Shriners Hospitals for Children
- Alec is the National Patient Spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Is Alec Cabacungan still alive?
Yes, Alec Cabacungan is alive. Despite false online rumors, there are no obituaries or credible reports about his death. Alec recently graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 and even interned at the White House, marking a major milestone in his inspiring journey.
How much is Alec Cabacungan’s salary?
Alec’s exact salary is not publicly known. However, several online sources estimate his net worth to be around $5 million.
Sources
https://www.instagram.com/aleccabacungan/?hl=en
https://starlifegeek.com/alec-cabacungan
https://chicago.suntimes.com/doing-well/2022/3/4/22957525/alec-cabacungan-shriners-childrens-chicago-hospital-brittle-bone-disease
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alec-cabacungan-spokesperson-for-shriners-hospitals-for-children
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgeTYToChs1A54Cw-U9qcQ
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2023/11/03/face-of-shriners-childrens-hospital-was-indiana-pacers-summer-intern/71412176007/?gnt-cfr=1
https://medlineplus.gov/osteogenesisimperfecta.html
