Claire Dawson
Alex is a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, a genetic bone disorder that results in fragile bones that break frequently and easily. Alex began receiving care at the hospital in 2002 and has since made significant progress through advanced treatments. Unfortunately, there is no information on Alex's age. However, it is known that he now plays wheelchair sports, appears on television, and attends college. Shriners Hospitals for Children has helped over 1.5 million children lead more fulfilling lives, and Alex's journey is a testament to the hope and confidence that the hospital brings to children and families facing similar challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Alec |
| Hospital | Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago |
| Year of Admission | 2002 |
| Disease | Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease |
| Current Activities | Playing wheelchair sports, appearing on television, attending college |
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What You'll Learn
Alec's progress at Shriners Hospitals for Children
Alec, a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children, has made remarkable progress in his health and overall well-being. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, Alec has defied the odds and embraced a life of strength and determination. His journey at Shriners Hospitals for Children began in 2002, and since then, he has not only managed his condition but also thrived in various aspects of his life.
Alec's condition, OI, is a genetic bone disorder characterised by fragile bones that are prone to frequent and easy breakage. Despite this challenge, Alec's unwavering spirit and the advanced treatments he received at Shriners Hospitals for Children have paved the way for his remarkable progress. The hospital's dedication to helping children reach their full potential, regardless of their families' financial situation, has been instrumental in Alec's journey.
One of the most notable aspects of Alec's progress is his involvement in sports. Despite his condition, Alec has embraced wheelchair sports with enthusiasm. This not only improves his physical health but also boosts his confidence and social skills. Through sports, Alec has found a way to stay active and engage with peers, fostering a sense of inclusion and camaraderie.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Alec has also ventured into the world of media and academics. He has appeared on television, sharing his story and inspiring others facing similar challenges. Moreover, Alec has pursued higher education, attending college while managing his health. This demonstrates his determination to pursue his dreams and live a fulfilling life.
The support Alec received at Shriners Hospitals for Children has been pivotal in his journey. Through advanced treatments and a caring environment, he has been empowered to break free from the limitations of his condition. Alec's progress serves as a testament to the impact of specialised healthcare and the transformative power of hope and determination. His story inspires others facing similar challenges and showcases the transformative power of healthcare in helping individuals lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.
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Alec's participation in wheelchair sports
Alex Cabacungan, the Shriners Hospitals TV spokesman, was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, a genetic bone disorder that makes his bones fragile and susceptible to frequent and easy breaking. He has been receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago since he was two months old and has made remarkable progress through advanced treatments.
Alex is an avid participant in wheelchair sports, which he discovered in sixth grade. He became involved with the Chicago Park District's adaptive sports programs and found a passion for wheelchair basketball and wheelchair softball. Sports have been an escape for Alex, providing him with a sense of belonging and teamwork. He has also appeared on television and is pursuing his college education at Northwestern, where he lives in a dorm and drives a specially modified van.
In addition to his academic and athletic pursuits, Alex is dedicated to giving back to Shriners Hospitals. He has been a spokesperson for the hospital for five years, raising awareness and hope for children with similar conditions. His feisty personality and determination have inspired many, and his involvement has resulted in a significant increase in donations. Alex and his parents, Alma and Gill Cabacungan, travel the country to promote Shriners and spread the word about OI.
Alex's interest in sports extends beyond participation; he has also explored sportscasting and colour commentary. He started a YouTube channel called "Smart Alec on Sports," showcasing his extensive knowledge of sports statistics and trivia. His talent was recognised by TNT, who invited him to join their NBA halftime show. Alex's journey and perseverance serve as a source of inspiration and mentorship for other children facing challenges.
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Alec's TV appearances
Alex Cabacungan, a patient at Shriners Children's Chicago, has been the hospital's TV spokesman. Cabacungan has been part of the Shriners family since he was 2 months old. He was born with brittle bone disease—osteogenesis imperfecta, or OI, a genetic bone disorder that causes bones to break frequently and easily. He has undergone countless operations, having broken over 60 bones in his lifetime.
Cabacungan has been a patient at Shriners Children's Chicago for 19 years. He has been featured in television commercials for the hospital, which often co-star his friend, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres. Cabacungan agreed to participate in the commercials because he wanted to give back to the hospital that has helped him in every aspect of his life.
Cabacungan's TV appearances are not limited to commercials. He has also been featured in news articles and interviews, such as the Chicago Sun-Times article from March 2022. In the article, he talks about his experience with brittle bone disease and how Shriners Hospitals has helped him lead a fuller life, including playing wheelchair basketball and attending regular school.
Cabacungan's story and his positive attitude despite his challenges have inspired many people. He embodies the hope and confidence that families and children find at Shriners Hospitals. Through the generosity of donors, Shriners Hospitals have been able to help over 1.5 million children reach their potential and lead more fulfilling lives.
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Alec's college enrolment
Alec, a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children, has overcome significant challenges to pursue a college education. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, Alec has made remarkable progress through advanced treatments at the hospital. Despite being diagnosed with this genetic bone disorder characterised by fragile bones that are prone to frequent and easy breakage, Alec has refused to let his condition hold him back.
Alec's journey towards college enrolment began in 2002 when he started receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago. There, he gained access to specialised treatments that transformed his life. Over the years, Alec's determination and the dedicated support from the hospital staff allowed him to manage his condition effectively.
As Alec progressed through his high school education, he remained committed to his academic goals. He actively participated in wheelchair sports, showcasing his unwavering spirit and determination to lead an active life. Balancing his medical condition with his studies, Alec successfully completed his high school education and took the necessary steps towards college enrolment.
The college application process was a significant undertaking for Alec. With the support of his family and the confidence gained from managing his condition, Alec embarked on the journey to find the right college fit. He attended college fairs, connected with admissions counsellors, and meticulously prepared his application package, which included his transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The process was meticulous, and Alec had to ensure that his medical needs were communicated and accommodated by the colleges he was applying to.
Finally, Alec's hard work paid off, and he received an acceptance letter from a college that met his academic and medical needs. As he packed his bags and prepared for the next chapter of his life, Alec couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. He knew that his journey with brittle bone disease had shaped him into a resilient and determined individual, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that college life presented.
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The impact of donations on Alec's treatment
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to provide treatment and care for children with a range of conditions. The hospital's vision is to serve more children in more locations, with a focus on increasing access points beyond hospital locations, such as outpatient clinics and telehealth services. This ensures that children in need of specialized care can receive it regardless of their location.
Donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children are used to support patients directly, with approximately 80% of all funds spent on patient care, research, and education. The hospital provides compassionate care and pioneering medical treatments, including pediatric specialty care and innovative research. They also offer outstanding educational programs for medical professionals to stay at the forefront of pediatric healthcare advancements.
The hospital's commitment to stewardship and accountability ensures that donor contributions are used effectively and responsibly. As a fully qualified 501(c)3 charitable organization, donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. The hospital has also received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, recognizing their high standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no exact information on Alex's age, but it is mentioned that he began receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in 2002 and now attends college.
Alex was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, a genetic bone disorder that causes fragile bones that break frequently and easily.
Despite his condition, Alex stays active and involved. He plays wheelchair sports, appears on television, and is currently attending college.
