Alec Cabacungan is a young man who has been the face of Shriners Children’s Hospital for the past seven years. He has appeared in numerous commercials and TV shows, asking people to donate and support the hospital that has helped him and many other children with various conditions.
Alec suffers from a rare genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, which causes his bones to break easily and frequently. Despite his challenges, Alec has shown remarkable resilience and optimism and has become an inspiration for many.
However, some people have wondered what happened to Alec from Shriners Hospital, and whether he is still alive or not.
In this article, we will explore Alec’s journey with osteogenesis imperfecta, his role as a patient ambassador, the false rumors and confusion around his survival, and the inspiring story of Alec and how you can support Shriners Hospital.
Alec’s Journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a hereditary condition that inhibits collagen formation, which strengthens bones, skin, and other tissues. OI patients have weak bones that might shatter from minimal stress or without warning. OI may also cause hearing loss, dental troubles, scoliosis, and low stature. About 1 in 20,000 persons globally have OI.
Alec, born with OI in 2002, was diagnosed at two months old. His referral sent him to Shriners Patients’ Chicago, one of 22 facilities in the network that treat orthopedic, burn, spinal cord, and cleft lip and palate, patients. Children regardless of family income get high-quality treatment at Shriners Children’s.
A team of doctors, including Dr. Peter Smith, an orthopedic surgeon who has treated Alec from birth, treated him at Shriners Children’s Chicago. Alec had many operations and therapy to strengthen his bones and enhance his mobility. He wears rods in his arms and legs to avoid bone fractures. His scoliosis and damaged bones were corrected via operations. Physical, occupational, and aquatic therapy have helped him build strength and abilities. He has utilized wheelchairs, crutches, and braces for everyday tasks.
In his lifetime, Alec has fractured over 60 bones and endured much suffering. He never gave up on his aspirations and objectives. He always loved sports, particularly basketball and baseball. He played baseball in school and attended several athletic events. He graduated high school with honors and is studying sports broadcasting at Northwestern University.
Alec’s Role as a Patient Ambassador
Alec is a Shriners Children’s patient ambassador. He has participated in several hospital awareness and fundraising projects. He has shared his tale and urged others to give to Shriners Children’s in advertisements and TV programs including MasterCast Live, Young Entertainer Awards, and WGN Morning News. He also hosts a series on MySHC.tv, which highlights Shriners Children’s patients’ experiences and skills. Jack Black, Ludacris, Terry Crews, and Cobie Smulders, Shriners Children’s sponsors, have appeared on Alec Presents.
Alec also supports Shriners Children’s and connects with other patients. He has met and inspired other children with OI and other diseases at the National Patient Ambassador Program, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation National Conference, and Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. He has also addressed at the Shriners International Imperial Session, Chicago Gala, and National Board of Governors Meeting, thanking Shriners Children and its workers.
False Rumors and Confusion Around Alec’s Survival
Although Alec is famous, some have questioned what happened to him at Shriners Hospital and whether he is alive. Alec hasn’t been in any new advertisements or TV programs in a while, and some people have mistaken him with another patient ambassador, Kaleb, who died in 2019. Shriners Children’s ads featured 14-year-old Kaleb, who has cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia. Kaleb and Alec are separate people with different diagnoses and histories.
Speculation about Alec’s survival is unwarranted. Alec is healthy and studying. He has been focused on college and recovering from his injuries, therefore he hasn’t appeared in any new advertisements or TV series. Alec broke his left shoulder, right knee, and left hip in a wheelchair accident in December 2020. He took a break from Northwestern University after surgery and physical treatment. He is back on track and excited to resume school and patient advocacy.
Shriners Children’s has stated that Alec is alive and healthy and encouraged people to ignore the rumors. They have updated their website and social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with Alec’s growth and accomplishments. They have also thanked supporters and urged them to give and help Shriners Children’s and its patients.
The Inspiring Story of Alec and How You Can Support Shriners Hospital
This incredible young guy, Alec, has overcome numerous hardships and inspired many. His resilience and positivity have helped him follow his ambitions. He has also spoken out for Shriners Children’s and connected with other sufferers. He has changed countless lives and shown Shriners Children’s and its patients’ potential.
Help Shriners Children’s patients by contributing and volunteering. You may donate once or regularly or sponsor a program or hospital. You may also organize a walk, run, golf tournament, or gala to raise money. Corporate partners, volunteers, and donors are additional options. You may also promote Shriners Children’s and its patients on social media. Shriners Children’s provides life-changing treatment to children with varied diseases and helps them accomplish their goals and objectives.
Visit [shrinerschildrens.org] to learn more and help them. Follow Shriners Children’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and patient stories. Alec Presents, on MySHC.tv, interviews celebrities and Shriners Children’s supporters. Subscribe to their YouTube account for more Alec and patient ambassador videos and advertisements.
Alec exemplifies Shriners youngsters’s ability to help youngsters with special needs. He shows that everything is possible and that youngsters may accomplish their aspirations with the correct help. Many friends and brothers consider him a role model and leader. Hero, celebrity, patient, and advocate. Alec from Shriners Hospital is healthy.
