You’ve seen him in the commercials. That kid with the bow tie, the huge smile, and the infectious energy talking about Shriners Children's. He’s basically become the face of the organization over the last decade. But since those commercials run for years and years, it’s easy to lose track of time. People are constantly searching for alec shriners how old because, honestly, it feels like he’s been a kid forever on our TV screens.
But Alec Cabacungan isn't a kid anymore.
As of 2026, Alec is 23 years old. He was born in 2002, and if you’ve been following his journey from the early days of those fundraising clips, you know he’s grown up right in front of us. It’s kinda wild to think about. We remember him as the young boy in the wheelchair, but today he’s a young adult navigating a burgeoning career in sports broadcasting.
The Journey from Patient to National Icon
Alec’s story didn't start with a camera crew. It started at Shriners Children’s Chicago when he was just two months old. He was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), which most of us know as brittle bone disease. It’s a rare genetic disorder where the body doesn't produce enough collagen, or the collagen it does produce is poor quality.
The result? Bones that can break from something as simple as a sneeze or a slightly too-firm hug.
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By the time Alec was a teenager, he had broken over 60 bones. Think about that for a second. Most of us freak out over one broken arm. He’s dealt with dozens. He’s had over 18 surgeries and spent countless hours in physical therapy. But instead of letting that define him as "fragile," he used the platform Shriners gave him to show what resilience looks like.
He first stepped into the spotlight for the hospital in 2014. He was only 12 at the time. He thought it would be a "one-and-done" thing—something his friends might see and tease him about. Instead, that first commercial turned into a decade-long partnership.
Why We Keep Asking About His Age
The reason alec shriners how old is such a frequent search query is simple: the "perpetual kid" effect of television. Shriners often cycles through older footage or runs campaigns for months that were filmed a year prior.
When you see a clip of 14-year-old Alec, then see him today on social media looking like a grown man, it creates a bit of a "wait, what?" moment.
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A Quick Timeline of Alec’s Milestones:
- 2002: Alec is born and begins treatment at Shriners.
- 2014: At age 12, he films his first national commercial.
- 2020: He graduates from Oak Park and River Forest High School. He was 18.
- 2020-2024: Alec attends Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. This is a big deal. Medill is one of the top journalism schools in the world.
- 2026: Alec is now 23, pursuing his dreams in the professional world.
Life Beyond the Commercials
Alec is a massive sports fan. If you follow him on Instagram or saw his "Smart Alec on Sports" YouTube channel back in the day, you know he isn't just a spokesperson. He’s a walking encyclopedia of basketball and football stats.
He’s interviewed some of the biggest names in the game. We're talking Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He even got to hold the Stanley Cup with Alex Ovechkin.
While the commercials made him famous, his goal was always the broadcast booth. He’s worked with networks like TNT and has been a regular at major sporting events. He’s proving that being "wheelchair bound"—a term he uses himself but doesn't let limit him—doesn't mean you can't be at the center of the action.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about the kids from Shriners. Sometimes people confuse Alec with Kaleb, another popular spokesperson. Kaleb is also an amazing young man with OI, but he’s younger than Alec.
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Another thing people get wrong? They think Alec is still a patient "living" at the hospital. Shriners isn't a long-term residence; it’s a world-class medical system. Alec lives his own life. He went to college, hangs out with his three older sisters, and plays wheelchair basketball.
Shriners gave him the tools to be independent, and that’s exactly what he is.
What’s Next for Alec?
Alec’s role with Shriners has evolved. He’s no longer the "cute kid" in the ads; he’s an ambassador and a mentor. He talks to younger patients who are just starting their journey with OI, showing them that a diagnosis isn't a dead end.
If you’re looking to keep up with what he’s doing now, his transition into professional sports media is the thing to watch. He’s active on social platforms and continues to be a vocal advocate for disability representation in media.
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Real Age: He is 23 years old in 2026.
- Condition: He manages Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease).
- Education: Proud Northwestern Medill alum.
- Career: Aspiring sports broadcaster and longtime Shriners ambassador.
Watching Alec grow up has been a highlight for many who support Shriners Children's. He represents the success of their mission—taking a child who faced immense physical challenges and helping him become a confident, successful adult.
To stay updated on his latest projects or to support the mission that helped him, you can visit the official Shriners Children's website or follow Alec’s verified social media profiles where he shares his latest sports commentary and behind-the-scenes looks at his broadcasting career.