Ethan Rhodes
Alec Cabacungan, born with brittle bone disease, has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. He has undergone numerous surgeries and physical therapy sessions throughout his life. Despite the challenges, Alec has maintained a positive attitude and achieved significant milestones, including attending the Super Bowl and graduating from high school. He has been a spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, raising awareness and funds for the hospital that has become a family to him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Alec Cabacungan |
| Age | 19 |
| Disease | Brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) |
| Number of surgeries | Over 18 |
| Shriners Hospitals Patient Since | 2 months old |
| Shriners Hospitals Spokesperson | Yes |
| Shriners Commercials | Yes |
| Surgery Type | Surgery on most of the long bones of his body to put in intramedullary rods |
| Surgery Purpose | To make the bones stronger, straighter, and more stable |
| Surgery Outcome | Reduced fractures, improved mobility, and ability to attend school |
| Physical Therapy | Intense post-surgery physical therapy |
| College | Northwestern University |
| Major | Sports broadcasting |
| Future Aspirations | To be a sports broadcaster |
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What You'll Learn
Alec Cabacungan's work as a Shriners Hospitals TV spokesman
Alec Cabacungan was born on May 8, 2002, in Oak Park, Illinois, to parents Gill and Alma Cabacungan. He was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, at birth. OI is a rare genetic disorder that causes fragile bones, and Alec has broken over 60 bones in his lifetime. Despite his condition, Alec has achieved significant milestones, including attending the Super Bowl and graduating from high school and college.
Alec has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. Shriners Hospitals is a charitable organisation with 22 hospitals across North America. In addition to providing Alec with physical care, the hospitals have offered him emotional support, becoming a family to him. When Alec was in sixth or seventh grade, Shriners approached his family, asking them to participate in a commercial fundraising campaign for the hospital. Alec and his family agreed, recognising the impact Shriners had had on their lives and the potential to help other children.
Alec's partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children began as a patient, but he soon became the voice of the organisation. Through a series of commercials, Alec shared his story, raising awareness and funds for the hospital. His positive attitude, resilience, and determination have inspired millions, challenging the perception of disabilities and showing that they do not define a person. Alec's presence in broadcasting, particularly in sports media, has paved the way for people with disabilities and inspired thousands of young kids with physical disabilities.
In addition to his work with Shriners Hospitals, Alec has pursued his dream of becoming a sports broadcaster. He plays wheelchair basketball, interviews athletes, and has appeared on sports shows such as the NBA on TNT. Alec also started a YouTube channel called "Smart Alec on Sports," showcasing his knowledge of sports statistics and trivia. Alec's work as a spokesman for Shriners Hospitals for Children has not only raised awareness and funds for the organisation but has also empowered him to pursue his passions and inspire others.
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Shriners Hospitals' support for Alec's dream of becoming a sports broadcaster
Alec Cabacungan has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. Born with a severe form of osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, Alec has undergone numerous surgeries and physical therapy sessions throughout his life. Despite the challenges, he has maintained a positive attitude and is determined to pursue his dream of becoming a sports broadcaster.
Shriners Hospitals have provided Alec with comprehensive support, including physical and emotional care, to help him achieve his aspirations. They have been by his side through more than 18 operations and thousands of hours of rehabilitation, ensuring he has the best possible chance at a fulfilling life. The hospital's innovative treatments, such as the life-changing intramedullary rods invented over 70 years ago, have enabled Alec to move more freely and experience fewer fractures.
Alec's positive outlook is a testament to the emotional support he has received from Shriners. He credits the hospital with helping him build emotional confidence and a fighting spirit that will undoubtedly contribute to his success in sports broadcasting. The hospital has also provided him with a platform to raise awareness and funds for Shriners, further demonstrating their commitment to his personal growth and development.
Alec's journey with Shriners Hospitals has been well-documented in a series of heart-warming commercials, where he shares his story and expresses his gratitude for the care he has received. His role as a patient ambassador and spokesman for the hospital has not only inspired other children but also helped raise awareness and support for Shriners. Through his work with the hospital, Alec is paying it forward, giving hope to kids facing similar challenges and empowering them to pursue their dreams.
Shriners Hospitals' support for Alec extends beyond his medical needs. By believing in his potential and providing opportunities for him to develop his broadcasting skills, they are actively contributing to his dream of becoming a sports broadcaster. The hospital administration's invitation to participate in their commercial fundraising efforts demonstrates their recognition of Alec's talent and potential beyond his role as a patient. Their encouragement and belief in his abilities have empowered him to pursue his passion and use his platform to give back to the hospital and inspire others.
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$9.49
The emotional support Shriners Hospitals provided Alec
Alec Cabacungan, born with brittle bone disease, has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. Over the years, Shriners Hospitals have not only provided Alec with physical care but also with emotional support, making the hospital a family to him.
Alec has had to undergo numerous surgeries and physical therapy throughout his life. Shriners Hospitals have helped him with over 18 operations and thousands of rehabilitation hours. They have also provided him with life-changing intramedullary rods, invented at Shriners over 70 years ago, which have helped to make his bones stronger and reduce fractures.
In addition to the medical care, Shriners Hospitals have also offered Alec emotional support. They have ensured that he is emotionally confident in what he can do, helping him to maintain a positive attitude. Alec credits the people at Shriners for his positive outlook, stating that they make sure he is physically and emotionally able to do what he wants.
Alec's experience with Shriners Hospitals has been so positive that he has become a patient ambassador and spokesman for the hospital. Through a series of commercials, Alec has helped to raise awareness and funds for Shriners Hospitals, giving back to the organization that has supported him throughout his life.
The emotional support provided by Shriners Hospitals has clearly had a significant impact on Alec's life. It has helped him to maintain a positive attitude, pursue his dreams, and give back to others. The hospital has become a family to him, and he credits them with helping him achieve his milestones and giving him hope for the future.
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Alec's positive attitude and determination
Alec Cabacungan, born with brittle bone disease, has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. He has undergone numerous surgeries and physical therapy throughout his life. Despite the challenges, Alec maintains a positive attitude and has achieved significant milestones. He attributes his positive outlook to the support and emotional confidence instilled by the Shriners staff, whom he considers family.
Alec's determination and resilience shine through in his pursuit of his dreams. At 19, he aspires to become a sports broadcaster and is currently majoring in sports broadcasting at Northwestern University. He has also taken on the role of patient ambassador and spokesman for Shriners Children's Chicago, appearing in commercials to raise awareness and funds for the hospital that has supported him throughout his life.
Alec's positive attitude and fighting spirit have endeared him to thousands of TV viewers. He wants people to realize that those with disabilities are not different and should also be expected to accomplish great things. His optimism and determination have helped him overcome obstacles and achieve milestones such as attending the Super Bowl and graduating from high school.
Shriners Hospitals for Children has played a pivotal role in Alec's life, providing not only physical care but also emotional support. The hospital's innovative treatments and life-changing surgeries, such as the intramedullary rods invented over 70 years ago, have enabled Alec to move better and experience fewer fractures. This has empowered him to pursue his dreams and give back to the hospital that has given him so much.
Alec's journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children has been life-changing. The care he received from the doctors and nurses, along with the emotional support and confidence they instilled in him, have contributed to his positive attitude and determination. Through his role as a spokesman and patient ambassador, Alec hopes to give back to Shriners and provide hope to other children like him.
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The life-changing surgery Alec received at Shriners Hospitals
Alec Cabacungan has been receiving care from Shriners Hospitals for Children since he was two months old. Born with a severe form of osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, Alec has broken over 60 bones in his lifetime. He has required extensive medical treatment, including splinting, casting, and surgery.
Before the surgery, Alec experienced frequent bone fractures and required various treatments to manage his condition. In addition to the physical challenges, Alec also received emotional support from the staff at Shriners Hospitals, who ensured he felt physically and emotionally confident. This holistic approach to care has been a constant in Alec's life and has contributed to his positive attitude and determination to achieve his dreams.
Alec underwent surgery on most of his long bones, including his arms and legs. The procedure involved making an incision in the bone and inserting a metal rod into the medullary canal, which runs through the centre of the bone. By strengthening the bones, the rods help to prevent fractures and reduce pain. This surgery has significantly improved Alec's quality of life, enabling him to pursue his dreams with greater ease and confidence.
Alec's journey with Shriners Hospitals has been life-changing, and he has become a well-known patient ambassador and spokesman for the hospital. Through his participation in commercials and fundraising efforts, Alec has raised awareness and support for Shriners Hospitals and the children they serve. His positive attitude and fighting spirit have inspired thousands, and he continues to give back to the hospital that has been his family for life.
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Frequently asked questions
Alec Cabacungan has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.
Shriners Hospitals for Children has provided Alec with physical care and emotional support since he was two months old. They have helped him with over 18 operations and thousands of rehabilitation hours.
Alec wants to be a sports broadcaster and is majoring in sports broadcasting at Northwestern University.
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