Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres are two of the most recognizable young faces in American advertising — not because they’re actors or influencers, but because they’re real-life patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children . Their inspiring stories have been featured in numerous commercials over the years, tugging at heartstrings and raising awareness about osteogenesis imperfecta (also known as brittle bone disease). But one question continues to circulate online: Do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about their role in Shriners’ marketing campaigns, including whether they receive compensation, how much they might earn, and what life looks like for these two inspiring advocates today.
Who Are Alec and Kaleb?
Before diving into the financial side of things, let’s first understand who Alec and Kaleb are and why they’ve become such important figures in Shriners’ commercials.
Alec Cabacungan
Alec was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) , a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. Despite undergoing more than 60 surgeries throughout his life, Alec has remained resilient, optimistic, and passionate about helping others. He’s become a powerful voice for children with disabilities and has appeared in multiple Shriners commercials over the years.
Now in his early twenties, Alec is pursuing a degree in communications with aspirations of becoming a sports broadcaster. His journey has inspired millions, and he continues to serve as a national ambassador for Shriners Hospitals.
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres
Kaleb, affectionately known as “Kaleb from Shriners,” was also born with osteogenesis imperfecta. He began appearing in commercials at a very young age and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his charming personality and genuine enthusiasm. Like Alec, Kaleb uses his platform to raise awareness about OI and the life-changing care provided by Shriners Hospitals.
As of 2025, Kaleb is around 16 years old and has already made a significant impact through his advocacy work. He frequently attends charity events, participates in interviews, and continues to inspire viewers across the country.
Do Alec and Kaleb Get Paid for Commercials?
This is the million-dollar question — and while Shriners Hospitals for Children hasn’t officially released specific details about their payment structure for ambassadors, there are several clues that point toward some form of compensation .
Understanding the Nonprofit Model
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality medical care to children regardless of their families’ ability to pay. Its commercials are designed not only to showcase the hospital’s services but also to encourage donations and support.
Because of this mission-driven approach, many assume that Alec and Kaleb don’t receive payment for their appearances. However, it’s common practice for nonprofits to offer honorariums , travel reimbursements , or other forms of non-monetary compensation to individuals who participate in media campaigns.
What We Know About Compensation
While neither Alec nor Kaleb have publicly disclosed exact figures, here’s what we can infer:
- Travel Reimbursement : Both boys travel extensively for promotional events, interviews, and filming sessions. It’s standard for organizations to cover expenses such as flights, hotels, meals, and transportation.
- Honorariums or Stipends : Many nonprofits provide small honorariums to ambassadors or spokespeople as a token of appreciation for their time and effort. These payments are typically modest and not comparable to what professional actors would earn.
- Charitable Donations in Their Name : Sometimes, organizations make donations to causes or foundations linked to their ambassadors as a way to give back.
- Speaking Engagements and Appearances : In addition to commercials, both Alec and Kaleb have participated in paid speaking engagements , charity events , and media collaborations , which likely contribute to their income.
So, while they may not be receiving Hollywood-level paychecks, it’s reasonable to believe that Alec and Kaleb do receive some form of compensation — whether monetary or otherwise — for their participation in commercials and related activities.
How Much Is Kaleb from Shriners Worth?
Kaleb’s rise to prominence has opened doors beyond just commercials. As of 2025, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million .
Sources of Income
- Commercial Appearances : While not a full-time actor, Kaleb’s recurring spots in Shriners ads likely provide steady income.
- Charity Events & Speaking Gigs : Kaleb is frequently invited to speak at charity galas, fundraising events, and motivational speaking engagements.
- Sponsorships & Collaborations : As his public profile grows, Kaleb may partner with brands or nonprofit organizations that align with his message.
- Donations Made in His Honor : Some charitable contributions are made specifically in Kaleb’s name, supporting research or accessibility initiatives.
Despite his growing net worth, Kaleb remains focused on advocacy and community service rather than personal gain.
How Much Is Alec from Shriners Worth?
Alec Cabacungan has built a multifaceted career that extends beyond commercials. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Career Highlights and Earnings
- Shriners Ambassador : Alec has been involved with Shriners since childhood and continues to represent the organization in various capacities.
- Public Speaking : Alec is a sought-after speaker at schools, conferences, and charity events, where he shares his story and inspires others.
- Broadcasting Ambitions : Currently studying communications in college, Alec hopes to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, which could significantly increase his future earnings.
- Media Appearances : Alec has appeared on TV shows, podcasts, and news segments, further expanding his reach and opportunities.
Alec’s financial success reflects not only his hard work but also the value society places on authentic storytelling and disability advocacy.
How Old Are Alec and Kaleb Now?
As of 2025:
- Alec Cabacungan is 23 years old
- Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres is 16 years old
Their youth adds to the emotional impact of their stories — seeing teenagers overcome such immense challenges and thrive on a national stage is truly inspiring.
What Disabilities Do Alec and Kaleb Have?
Both Alec and Kaleb were born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) , commonly referred to as brittle bone disease . This condition affects collagen production, leading to fragile bones that break easily.
Types of OI They Live With
While the severity of OI varies, both boys experience a severe form of the condition that has required:
- Multiple surgeries
- Extended hospital stays
- Use of wheelchairs for mobility
- Daily physical therapy
Despite these challenges, Alec and Kaleb live active, fulfilling lives and use their platforms to educate the public about living with disabilities.
Why Do People Care If They Get Paid?
Many people wonder if Alec and Kaleb get paid because they’re real patients , not actors. Viewers often feel emotionally moved by their stories and want to know if they’re being used for profit — especially since the commercials are meant to raise funds for Shriners Hospitals.
However, it’s important to remember that:
- Being an ambassador requires time, energy, and emotional labor
- Travel and filming can be physically demanding due to their conditions
- Compensation (even minimal) helps acknowledge their efforts and supports their quality of life
There’s no indication that Alec and Kaleb are being exploited — rather, they seem to be respected partners in Shriners’ outreach efforts.
What’s Next for Alec and Kaleb?
Both young men continue to grow personally and professionally.
Alec’s Future
Alec is currently attending college and working toward a degree in communications. He dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster — a goal he’s well on his way to achieving. With his charisma, resilience, and strong work ethic, Alec is poised to make waves in the media world.
Kaleb’s Future
Kaleb is still in high school but has already proven himself to be a powerful advocate and speaker. As he gets older, he’ll likely take on more leadership roles within the Shriners network and potentially expand into areas like motivational speaking, writing, or even acting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials?
A: Yes, while Shriners does not publicly disclose payment details, it’s believed that both Alec and Kaleb receive compensation in the form of stipends, travel reimbursements, or honorariums for their appearances.
Q: How old are Alec and Kaleb?
A: Alec is 23 years old, and Kaleb is 16 years old as of 2025.
Q: What is Kaleb from Shriners’ net worth?
A: Kaleb’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million, derived from commercials, appearances, and sponsorships.
Q: What is Alec from Shriners’ net worth?
A: Alec’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million, largely from public speaking, media appearances, and his ambassadorship.
Q: What disabilities do Alec and Kaleb have?
A: Both suffer from osteogenesis imperfecta , a rare genetic disorder that causes brittle bones and frequent fractures.
Conclusion
Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres are more than just faces in Shriners commercials — they’re powerful advocates, inspiring storytellers, and living proof that disability doesn’t define a person’s potential. Whether or not they receive payment for their appearances, their contributions to the Shriners mission have had a lasting impact on countless lives.
If you’re wondering “do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials,” the answer isn’t black and white — but it’s clear that their work comes with recognition, respect, and likely some level of financial support. Regardless of the specifics, their true reward lies in the difference they make every day.