A Face That Stops Time
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Kaleb from Shriners Hospital on TV. It was one of those moments when you’re distracted, maybe stirring a pot of soup or scrolling on your phone, and then a voice pulls you in. “Hi, I’m Kaleb,” he said, his smile bright enough to light up the screen. He talked about his life with brittle bone disease, the 200-plus fractures, the 11 surgeries, and yet there he was—radiant, determined, unstoppable. Then there was Alec, his friend and fellow ambassador, a bit older, with a quick laugh and a way of making you feel like you were in on the story. These boys, Kaleb and Alec from Shriners, weren’t just faces in a commercial. They were reminders of what it means to keep going, no matter what.
I think about how those commercials linger. They’re not just ads; they’re stories that stick in your heart. People ask, “How old is Kaleb from Shriners Hospital?” or “How old is Alec from Shriners?” because they’ve watched these kids grow up on their screens. In 2024, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres is 16, born on June 28, 2008. Alec Cabacungan is 22, born on May 8, 2002. Those numbers don’t tell the whole story, though. They don’t capture the surgeries, the hospital stays, or the courage it takes to share your life with millions.
Kaleb’s Defiant Journey
Kaleb’s story starts with a diagnosis that would shake any parent. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, his bones were fragile from the start. I try to imagine his parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, holding their newborn, knowing he’d need surgery at just seven days old. Seven days. It’s a number that stops you, makes you wonder how a family finds the strength to face that. Shriners Children’s became their anchor, a place where Kaleb wasn’t just a patient but a kid with big dreams. Over 200 broken bones, 11 surgeries, and countless challenges later, Kaleb from Shriners Hospital is learning to stand, walk, even play basketball.
I picture him as a little boy, maybe 7, his voice high and hopeful in those early commercials, talking about riding a bike. Now, at 16, he’s a teenager, navigating high school and the weight of being a public figure. People wonder, “What does Kaleb from Shriners look like now?” I imagine him taller, his smile still bright but tempered by the self-awareness that comes with growing up. In a recent interview, he spoke with a quiet maturity, grateful for the care that’s shaped his life. It makes me wonder what he’s like when the cameras stop rolling—just Kaleb, not the Shriners kid, maybe joking with friends or dreaming about his future.
Alec’s Trailblazing Path
Alec feels like Kaleb’s big brother in this story. At 22, he’s already a young man with a degree from Northwestern University, chasing a career in sports broadcasting. I think about Alec at 2 months old, starting his own journey with Shriners in Chicago, his brittle bone disease leading to over 60 fractures and multiple surgeries. Yet, there he is—playing wheelchair basketball, interviewing athletes, dreaming of covering the Paralympics. “How old is Alec from Shriners in real life?” people ask, curious about the kid who’s grown into a confident advocate. His age is just a marker; his spirit is what defines him.
I love picturing Alec and Kaleb together, maybe joking about French homework in one of their commercials, their camaraderie shining through. Alec’s polish, his sports-savvy charm, pairs so well with Kaleb’s earnest warmth. Their ages—22 and 16—place them at different points, but their bond is clear. They’ve shared hospital halls, commercial sets, and the unique experience of being ambassadors for a cause bigger than themselves. The Shriners bear, that soft red blanket offered for donations, feels like a symbol of their shared mission—comfort in the face of hardship.
Kaleb and Alec from Shriners – Then vs. Now
| Year/Period | Kaleb from Shriners Commercial | Alec from Shriners Commercial | Public Curiosity & Common Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Commercials | Young child featured in Shriners Hospital ads, capturing hearts with his smile. | Older child, also a spokesperson with a warm presence. | How old is Kaleb? • Who is Alec? |
| Growing Up | Seen more often in updated commercials, showing resilience. | Alec appears alongside Kaleb, both representing Shriners kids. | How old are Alec and Kaleb? • Is Kaleb from Shriners still alive? |
| 2024 – Today | Now a teenager, Kaleb looks more mature but remains active in Shriners campaigns. | Alec is a young adult, remembered for his earlier roles. | What happened to Kaleb? • What does Kaleb look like now? • How old is Kaleb from Shriners Hospital 2024? |
| Symbolism | Represents strength, hope, and the journey of Shriners kids growing up. | Symbol of long-standing advocacy and friendship with Kaleb. | What is Kaleb from Shriners doing today? • Where is Kaleb now? |
The Heart of Shriners: A Network of Hope
Shriners Hospitals for Children isn’t just a single place; it’s a network of care stretching across North America. Hospitals in Omaha, Spokane, Tampa, Pasadena, Honolulu, Springfield, MA, Cincinnati, Cheswick, PA, and even Mexico are sanctuaries for families like Kaleb’s and Alec’s. I think about parents walking through those doors, fear heavy in their chests, and the kids who leave with a little more courage. Each location, from the sunny hills of Honolulu to the quiet streets of Springfield, offers world-class care at no cost to families. It’s a promise that’s touched over 1.5 million children, a number that feels overwhelming until you break it down to one story, one smile, one Kaleb.
But not everyone trusts the mission. Some search “Shriners Hospital scam,” skeptical of the emotional commercials or how donations are used. I get it—when you’re asked for money, it’s natural to question. Shriners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, transparent about funding life-changing care. The doubts don’t hold up when you see kids like Kaleb walking or Alec playing basketball. Still, the whispers persist, a reminder that even the best intentions face scrutiny in a skeptical world.
Growing Up in the Public Eye
There’s a bittersweet edge to watching Kaleb and Alec grow up. “How old is Kaleb from Shriners in 2024?” or “How old is Alec from Shriners Hospital?” aren’t just questions about age; they’re about time and transformation. I think of Kaleb at 4, his tiny voice in early commercials, full of hope. Now, at 16, he’s navigating adolescence while being a symbol of resilience. Alec, at 22, is stepping into adulthood, his dreams stretching beyond Shriners to a career in media. Their ages mark milestones, but their stories transcend them.
People sometimes ask about their net worth—Kaleb’s estimated at $5 million to $7 million, Alec’s between $500,000 and $1 million, based on their roles as ambassadors and partnerships with brands like Nike and Pepsi. But I wonder if those numbers matter to them as much as the lives they’ve touched. I imagine Kaleb reading messages from donors, people moved by his story to give. Does he feel the weight of that? Or is it just part of who he is? Alec, with his broadcaster’s ambition, might see it as fuel for his next goal. Their earnings are a footnote compared to their impact.
The Weight of Rumors
In 2021, a rumor spread that broke my heart. People asked, “Is Kaleb from Shriners still alive?” after a mix-up with another boy named Kaleb who had passed away. I remember the panic in those social media posts, the way strangers mourned a kid they’d only seen on TV. Shriners set the record straight—Kaleb was alive, thriving, even dancing in a video to wish a board member a happy birthday. It showed how much he means to people, how a kid from Winnipeg became a light for so many. Questions like “What happened to Kaleb from Shriners?” or “How is Kaleb from Shriners doing today?” reflect that connection, that need to know he’s okay.
Symbols of Strength
Kaleb and Alec are more than spokeskids; they’re symbols of what it means to persevere. The Shriners bear, the “Love to the Rescue” slogan, the commercials—they’re threads in a larger tapestry. Kaleb’s smile is a lighthouse, guiding families through the darkness of a diagnosis. Alec’s confidence is a bridge, linking viewers to the possibility of a fuller life. They’re not just faces; they’re mirrors, reflecting our own capacity for hope. I wonder about their futures. Will Kaleb, at 16, find a path like Alec’s, maybe in advocacy or something entirely his own? Will Alec cover the Paralympics in 2028, his voice ringing out from Paris? There’s beauty in the unknown, in trusting their resilience will carry them. They’ve already defied so much—Kaleb learning to walk, Alec graduating college. Their stories remind me that courage isn’t just about enduring; it’s about finding joy in the fight.
A Legacy of Love
As I write this, I’m struck by how Kaleb and Alec have become part of us. Questions like “How old is Kaleb from Shriners Hospital now?” or “What is Alec from Shriners doing now?” aren’t just curiosity—they’re a sign we care. At 16, Kaleb is growing into himself, his strength a testament to Shriners’ care. At 22, Alec is chasing dreams, his spirit undaunted. They’re not just kids in commercials; they’re proof that love can change lives.
I think of families watching those ads, maybe in a hospital in Tampa or Cincinnati, holding a Shriners bear for comfort. Kaleb and Alec aren’t just ambassadors; they’re reminders that resilience is a choice, that hope is a flame we nurture through struggle. Their journeys—marked by fractures, surgeries, and unyielding spirit—echo in every donation, every story, every life touched. They’re the heart of Shriners, a living testament to love’s power to rescue.
FAQ
How old is Kaleb from Shriners Hospital?
Kaleb is a teenager now, having grown up in front of viewers through Shriners commercials.
What happened to Kaleb from the Shriners commercials?
Kaleb is alive, well, and continues to represent Shriners today.
How old are Alec and Kaleb from Shriners?
Alec is older, Kaleb is still in his teens, and both remain spokeskids for Shriners.
Is Kaleb from Shriners still alive?
Yes, Kaleb is alive and continues to inspire audiences.
What does Kaleb from Shriners look like now?
Kaleb looks older and more mature now but still has the same recognizable smile.
How old is Kaleb from Shriners Hospital in 2024?
By 2024, Kaleb had entered his mid-teen years.
What is Kaleb from Shriners doing today?
Kaleb is still active in Shriners campaigns and continues to advocate for children’s healthcare.