Where Is Alec Cabacungan Today? Health, Career, and Faqs Answered
Alec was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), specifically Type III, before he was even born. Often described clinically as brittle bone disease, the genetic disorder inhibits the body's ability to produce sufficient amounts of type I collagen, the structural protein responsible for bone strength.
By the time Alec celebrated his eighteenth birthday, he had sustained more than 60 broken bones and undergone over a dozen orthopedic surgical interventions. Minor physical impacts that would cause a bruise in an average child frequently resulted in severe fractures for Alec. At just two months old, his parents brought him to Shriners Children’s Chicago, where orthopedic specialists installed telescoping intramedullary rods into his legs. These specialized implants grow alongside a child's natural skeleton, reinforcing long bones against catastrophic breaks.
Physical therapy, aquatic rehabilitation, and tailored orthopedic management allowed Alec to build tremendous upper-body strength. While he relies on a wheelchair for everyday mobility, his medical condition has remained stable throughout adulthood. Management of osteogenesis imperfecta in adult patients focuses primarily on preserving bone density, avoiding acute trauma, preventing joint stiffness, and maintaining cardiovascular endurance through adaptive athletics.
