Ethan Rhodes
Alec Cabacungan, the patient ambassador and spokesperson for Shriners Children's Hospital, has been living with brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes weak bones that break easily. Since becoming the face of the hospital, he has appeared in numerous commercials and ad campaigns, with donations skyrocketing as a result. As of 2023, when he was a summer intern for the Indiana Pacers, Cabacungan was alive and well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alec Cabacungan |
| Nickname | Alec on the commercials |
| Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Northwestern University |
| Major | Sports Broadcasting |
| Disease | Brittle Bone Disease |
| Medical Term | Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) |
| Bones Broken | Over 60 |
| Surgeries | 18 |
| Hospitals Visited | Shriners Children's Chicago |
| Shriners Hospitals | 22 |
| Role | Spokesperson |
| Years of Service | 6 |
| Year of Joining Shriners | 2002 |
| YouTube Channel | Smart Alec on Sports |
| Sports | Wheelchair Basketball |
| Internship | Indiana Pacers |
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What You'll Learn
- Alec Cabacungan's work as a spokesperson for Shriners Children's Hospital
- Cabacungan's experience with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease
- Shriners Children's Hospital's history and mission
- Cabacungan's life outside of the hospital, including his passion for sports
- The impact of Cabacungan's work on fundraising and awareness for Shriners
Alec Cabacungan's work as a spokesperson for Shriners Children's Hospital
Alec Cabacungan is a patient ambassador and spokesperson for Shriners Children's Chicago, formerly known as Shriners Children's Hospital. He has been associated with Shriners since he was two months old, receiving treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, a genetic bone disorder that causes frequent and easy fractures due to a lack of collagen or abnormal collagen in the bones.
Alec's work as a spokesperson for Shriners Children's Hospital involves appearing in commercials and sharing his story to raise awareness and funds for the hospital. He has been the face of Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials for several years, with his bright smile, charisma, and resilience touching millions. Alec's partnership with Shriners began as a patient, but he soon became the voice of the organization, showcasing his journey and changing how people view disabilities.
In the commercials, Alec often co-stars with his friend Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, who also has OI. Together, they have helped Shriners Hospitals raise millions of dollars, ensuring that more children like them receive the necessary care. Their work has also extended beyond advertising, challenging the perception of disabilities and showcase that disabilities do not define a person or their dreams.
Alec's role as a spokesperson has also opened doors to other opportunities. In addition to his work with Shriners, he has pursued a degree in sports broadcasting from Northwestern University, interned at the White House, and created a YouTube channel called "Smart Alec on Sports." He was also named one of "30 Under 30" by Forbes in 2019 for his advocacy work.
Through his work as a spokesperson, Alec has not only raised awareness and funds for Shriners Children's Hospital but has also inspired other children with disabilities. He embodies the hope and confidence that families and children find at Shriners, showing that a disability does not have to be a lifelong struggle.
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Cabacungan's experience with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease
Alec Cabacungan is a patient ambassador and spokesman for Shriners Children's Chicago, formerly Shriners Children's Hospital. He has been the face of Shriners Children's Hospital for the last 10 years, starring in commercials for the hospital network that have helped raise funds through public donations.
Cabacungan was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones, causing them to break easily and possibly causing deformities. His parents, Alma and Gill, were informed of his condition before he was born. Cabacungan has endured numerous fractures, surgeries, and rehabilitation throughout his life. He began receiving care at Shriners Children's Chicago in 2002, when he was just two months old, and has since made significant progress through advanced treatments.
Cabacungan has broken more than 60 bones in his lifetime and has undergone 18 surgeries. He has required splinting and casting and surgery to insert intramedullary rods into most of the long bones of his body to strengthen and stabilize them. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Cabacungan leads an active life. He plays wheelchair basketball, coaches wheelchair basketball for youth in Chicago, and helps them find adaptive sports. He is also a sports enthusiast and has interviewed athletes and appeared on sports shows such as NBA on TNT.
Cabacungan is pursuing a college degree in sports broadcasting at Northwestern University. He took a leave of absence from his studies to focus on his health and undergo post-surgery physical therapy at Shriners. He embodies the hope and confidence that Shriners Children's Hospital aims to instill in its patients and their families.
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Shriners Children's Hospital's history and mission
Shriners Children's, also known as Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a paediatric healthcare system that provides specialty medical care to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. The organisation has been devoted to this mission since opening its first hospital in 1922.
The history of Shriners Children's can be traced back to the late 1910s, when a polio epidemic swept across the United States, leaving many children without access to adequate care. In response, the Shriners fraternity, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, established a children's hospital to address this need. The Shriners are a Freemasonry-related organisation, often recognised by their distinctive red hats and fezzes.
In 1920, during the Imperial Session of the Shriners in Portland, Oregon, the membership unanimously passed a resolution proposed by W. Freeland Kendrick, who was serving as Imperial Potentate at the time. This resolution led to the creation of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Construction on the first hospital began in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana, with thousands gathering to witness the cornerstone being laid. The hospital's first patient was a young girl with clubfoot.
Shriners Children's provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for a range of conditions, including orthopedic, spine, and burn care, as well as other specialty services and rehabilitation. The organisation is committed to conducting research that improves medical treatments and the quality of life for children, contributing to the advancement of medical and scientific knowledge worldwide. Shriners Children's also recognises the importance of innovation and change, integrating them into their traditions of care.
The hospitals are headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and they care for children until the age of 18, with some cases extending treatment until the age of 21. Shriners Children's has served over 1.5 million children worldwide, selecting two International Patient Ambassadors each year to represent the healthcare system's patients and share their stories.
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Cabacungan's life outside of the hospital, including his passion for sports
Alec Cabacungan, the patient ambassador and spokesman for Shriners Children's Chicago, has sadly passed away. Despite his medical challenges, he led a life filled with passion and interests.
Outside of the hospital, Cabacungan was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly fond of basketball. He played wheelchair basketball and softball, and his love for sports led him to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. He even started his own YouTube channel called 'Smart Alec on Sports'. Cabacungan was also a commentator and analyst for his school's sports events, showcasing his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for basketball. His dream was to work as a sports broadcaster, and he actively chased this dream by interviewing NFL players and appearing on sports shows, including TNT's 'Inside the NBA'.
Cabacungan was also into video games and cars. He was determined to get his driver's license, and his parents surprised him with his own car, giving him a sense of independence. He was also an aspiring actor and a motivational speaker, advocating for individuals with disabilities and sharing his experiences living with OI.
Cabacungan's life outside of the hospital was filled with determination and a passion for sports, broadcasting, and advocacy. He was an inspiration to many, demonstrating that physical limitations do not define one's potential.
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The impact of Cabacungan's work on fundraising and awareness for Shriners
Alec Cabacungan's work with Shriners Hospitals has had a significant impact on both fundraising and awareness for the organization. Known as the face of Shriners, Cabacungan has been a patient ambassador and spokesman for Shriners Children's Chicago, advocating for the hospital's mission of providing specialized care to children with various medical conditions.
Cabacungan's journey with Shriners began when he was just two months old. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break frequently, Cabacungan found a second family in Shriners. The hospital provided him with life-changing treatment and support, helping him manage his condition and lead a fulfilling life.
As a patient ambassador, Cabacungan has appeared in numerous television commercials and public appearances, sharing his story with millions. His charismatic presence and genuine storytelling have resonated with audiences, making him a recognizable figure and an inspiration to many. Through these platforms, he has raised awareness about OI, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals with this rare disorder.
Cabacungan's work has also had a significant impact on fundraising for Shriners Hospitals. In his commercials, he has encouraged people to donate generously to the hospital system, with donors receiving a cuddly red Teddy bear blanket as a token of appreciation. Since Cabacungan began his advocacy work, donations have skyrocketed, demonstrating the powerful impact of his story and influence.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Cabacungan has also been actively involved in spreading the mission of Shriners Hospitals. He has travelled the country, advocating for the hospital and raising awareness about the specialized care they provide to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family's ability to pay. His efforts have helped to rally support and raise funds for research, treatment, and support groups for families affected by rare diseases.
Cabacungan's journey and association with Shriners Hospitals have left an indelible mark on the community. His resilience, positivity, and determination in the face of medical challenges have inspired countless individuals, and his legacy continues to raise awareness and support for Shriners Hospitals and the important work they do.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Alec Cabacungan is still alive and is currently the face of Shriners Children's Hospital.
As of 2023, Alec is 23 years old. He was born in 2002.
Alec has a rare genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease.
Alec is a patient ambassador and spokesperson for Shriners Children's Hospital. He has appeared in numerous commercials for the hospital, raising funds through public donations.
