If you’ve ever seen a Shriners Hospitals for Children commercial, you’ve probably come across Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres. Their bright smiles, undeniable charisma, and unshaken resilience have touched millions. But beyond the TV screens, who are they really?
Alec and Kaleb aren’t just spokespeople for Shriners – they’re real kids with real challenges, dreams, and stories. Their journeys aren’t just about raising awareness; they’re about showing the world that disabilities don’t define a person.
I wanted to dig deeper into their lives – not just the part we see in commercials, but who they are behind the cameras, how they live with their condition, and what keeps them going.
The Story Behind Alec and Kaleb
Alec Cabacungan: The Sports Fan with Big Dreams
Alec was born on May 8, 2002, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Gill and Alma Cabacungan. From the moment he entered the world, he was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) – better known as brittle bone disease.
To most people, breaking a bone is a rare, painful event. For Alec, it has been a lifelong reality. By the time he was a teenager, he had suffered over 60 fractures and undergone multiple surgeries.
But if you ask Alec, he won’t talk about the pain. He won’t list out every surgery. He’d rather tell you about his love for sports.
Even though he uses a wheelchair, Alec never let his condition stop him from pursuing his passion for sports broadcasting. And in 2024, he made his dream a reality – graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Sports Broadcasting Journalism.
“I always wanted to be the next great sports broadcaster,” Alec once said in an interview. “I may not be on the field, but I can still be part of the game.”
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres: The Boy Who Refuses to Be Limited
Kaleb was born on June 28, 2009, in Winnipeg, Canada, to Ruben De Melo and Natalie Torres. Like Alec, he was diagnosed with OI at birth, but his case was even more severe.
By the time Kaleb was a teenager, he had suffered over 200 fractures – more than three times as many as Alec. He had 11 surgeries and spent countless days in recovery. But here’s the incredible thing about Kaleb – he never let it steal his energy.
If you watch him in commercials, you’ll notice it right away. That joy. That determination. That fire.
“I don’t let OI control me,” Kaleb once said. “I control how I live with it.”
For Kaleb, walking – even standing – is a challenge. But every time he gets out of his wheelchair, he’s proving to the world that he’s stronger than his condition.
How They Became National Icons
Alec and Kaleb’s partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children started as patients – but they soon became so much more. They became the voices of the organization, sharing their stories in commercials that reached millions.
They didn’t just raise awareness for the hospital: they changed the way people saw disabilities.
Brands noticed too. Nike, McDonald’s, Pepsi – some of the biggest companies in the world – saw something special in Alec and Kaleb. They didn’t just see two kids with a condition – they saw two kids who refused to be defined by it.
Do Alec & Kaleb Get Paid for Commercials?
This question comes up a lot: Are they paid for their commercials?
Here’s the truth – there’s no official record of how much they make.
Shriners Hospitals is a charitable organization, meaning most people assume Alec and Kaleb are involved for awareness, not profit.
Reports online claim:
- Kaleb’s net worth is around $5 million. 1 2
- Alec’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million. 3 4
But here’s the catch – there’s no verified source confirming these numbers.
What’s more important than money is their mission. They continue working with Shriners because they believe in it. And that’s something money can’t buy.
Their Impact Beyond Commercials
Alec and Kaleb aren’t just the faces of a campaign – they’re symbols of resilience.
Alec, now a college graduate, is paving the way for people with disabilities in the sports media world. His presence in broadcasting could inspire thousands of young kids with physical disabilities to follow in his footsteps.
Kaleb, still in his teens, continues to show the world that disability doesn’t mean weakness. He pushes forward, determined to stand, walk, and live life on his own terms.
Their stories have helped Shriners Hospitals raise millions, ensuring that more kids like them get the care they need.
Are Alec & Kaleb Still Alive?
Yes, both Alec and Kaleb are alive and thriving.
Alec recently graduated from Northwestern University, celebrating a huge milestone after years of hard work.
Kaleb, despite false rumors of his death in 2021, is still actively involved in advocacy and commercials. The rumors spread because of his prolonged time in hospice care, but he remains as determined as ever.
The Shriners Hospital Controversy: Exploitation or Awareness?
Not everything about Shriners Hospitals’ commercials has been well-received. Some critics argue that the organization only features children with visible disabilities to increase donations. Others say that the kids are made to read lines written by adults, making the messages feel scripted.
So, is Shriners exploiting these children?
Here’s a fair perspective:
- Families who receive care from Shriners overwhelmingly express gratitude for the free treatment their children receive.
- Alec and Kaleb have continued working with Shriners voluntarily, suggesting they support the hospital’s mission.
- Shriners relies on donations, and these commercials help them provide life-changing medical care at no cost to families.
Could the messaging be improved? Maybe. But one thing’s clear – Alec and Kaleb don’t seem like kids being forced into something. They seem like kids who genuinely believe in what they do.
They’ve turned their struggles into inspiration for millions. They’ve shown that disabilities don’t define dreams.
And maybe that’s what makes them so powerful.
Because in a world that often sees disability as a weakness, they’ve proven it can be a source of strength.