Revealed: How Old Is Alec Cabacungan From The Shriners Commercial NOW? (2025 Update)

The question of "How old is Alex on the Shriners commercial?" is one of the most frequently searched queries on the internet, a testament to the young man's enduring and inspiring presence on national television. The star of those heartwarming Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials is actually named Alec Cabacungan, and as of today, December 13, 2025, his age is a source of great curiosity for viewers who have watched him grow up on screen over the years. Alec's journey from a young patient to a national spokesperson has captivated millions, making his updates a highly anticipated topic.

Alec Cabacungan is far from the small child many remember from the earliest ads; he is now a young adult who has successfully navigated college life while continuing his powerful advocacy work. His story is a beacon of hope and resilience, underscoring the vital mission of Shriners Children's. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on Alec's age, his condition, his educational achievements, and what he is doing now.

Alec Cabacungan: A Quick Biography and Current Age

Alec Cabacungan's life story is intrinsically linked to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Born with a rare and challenging genetic disorder, his early years were marked by countless medical procedures, yet he emerged as one of the most recognizable and inspiring faces in charitable advertising.

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• Full Name: Alec Cabacungan
• Date of Birth: May 8, 2002
• Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois, USA
• Current Age (as of December 13, 2025): 23 years old
• Medical Condition: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease.
• Shriners Affiliation: Patient since two months old; National Spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
• Parents: Gil Cabacungan (Father) and Alma Cabacungan (Mother).
• Education: Graduate of Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism.
• Key Achievements: National TV Commercial Star, Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Player, Journalist/Communicator.

Alec's 23rd birthday was celebrated on May 8, 2025, marking his transition from the "Shriners Kid" to a young professional making a significant impact in the world of communications and disability advocacy. His journey is a powerful testament to the life-changing care provided by the Shriners organization.

The Inspiring Journey: From Patient to National Spokesperson

Alec's connection to Shriners Children's began when he was just two months old, following his diagnosis with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). This rare genetic disorder causes bones to fracture easily, often without any discernible cause. Throughout his childhood, Alec endured over 60 bone fractures and underwent more than 18 operations, including multiple surgeries to insert metal rods into his limbs to provide support.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children, specifically the Chicago Shriners Hospital, became his second home, providing not only the necessary orthopaedic care but also extensive rehabilitation and emotional support.

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Becoming the Face of Shriners Children's

Alec’s charismatic personality and articulate nature made him a natural choice to become the national spokesperson for the hospital network. His first commercial appearances were filmed when he was still a child, and his genuine, positive message resonated immediately with viewers. The commercials are designed to raise awareness and funding for the free medical care the hospitals provide to children, regardless of the families' ability to pay.

In the commercials, Alec famously encourages viewers, "If you want to help kids like me, please call the number on your screen." He often appears alongside other Shriners Kids, such as Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, who also has Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Life Beyond the Commercial: College, Sports, and Advocacy

Alec Cabacungan's life is a masterclass in living without limits, a message he consistently promotes as a spokesperson. His post-commercial life has been just as inspiring, focusing on higher education and competitive sports.

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Academic Pursuits at Northwestern University

The biggest update for Alec in recent years is his academic career. He enrolled at the prestigious Northwestern University, where he studied at the Medill School of Journalism. His choice of major reflects his natural ability to communicate and tell compelling stories, skills he honed as the Shriners spokesperson. Alec's time in college, however, was not without its challenges. He once broke his hip after his wheelchair flipped on an uneven sidewalk on campus, underscoring the ongoing reality of living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, even as a young adult.

By December 2025, Alec has completed his undergraduate degree, ready to launch a career utilizing his communications and advocacy background. His academic success serves as a powerful symbol of independence and resilience for all Shriners Children's patients.

Competitive Wheelchair Basketball

Despite his condition, Alec is a dedicated athlete. He is an avid player of wheelchair basketball, demonstrating that a physical challenge does not equate to a limitation on competitive spirit. His involvement in the sport highlights the importance of adaptive sports programs, which Shriners Children's often supports, allowing children with physical disabilities to experience the joy and camaraderie of team sports.

Alec has also been involved with major sporting events, including the East-West Shrine Bowl, a college football all-star game that benefits the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Truth About the Commercial's Age Discrepancy

Viewers often search for Alec's age because the commercials they see on TV appear to show him as a much younger child or teen. This is a common phenomenon with long-running public service announcements (PSAs) and fundraising campaigns. The Shriners organization uses a variety of footage from over the years—some recent, some older—to tell the complete story of a patient's journey from childhood to young adulthood.

While the footage may show a 10-year-old or 15-year-old Alec, the voiceover and the message remain relevant. The goal is to show the long-term impact of the hospital's care. Therefore, when you see a younger Alec on your screen, remember that the person behind that inspiring message is now a 23-year-old college graduate who continues to advocate for the cause that changed his life.

Alec Cabacungan's story is a continuous one, moving from a patient needing critical care to a powerful voice advocating for others. His current age of 23 is a milestone that proves the success of the Shriners mission: to provide the specialized care that allows children with complex conditions to pursue their dreams and live full, independent lives.