You’ve definitely seen him. The kid with the bow tie, the incredible smile, and that "Ad-or-a-ble" catchphrase that basically became a household staple. Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres—known to most of the world simply as Kaleb from Shriners—is one of those faces you feel like you grew up with, even if you only know him from thirty-second TV spots.
But it’s been a while since those early commercials. People get worried. They see rumors on Facebook. They wonder if he's still doing okay. Honestly, the internet is a weird place where "death hoaxes" happen to teenage spokespeople for no reason at all.
Here is the truth: Kaleb is very much alive, he’s a teenager now, and he’s actually planning a future that looks a lot like his past, just from the other side of the camera.
What is Kaleb from Shriners doing now in 2026?
As of early 2026, Kaleb is 17 years old and finishing up his high school years. He isn't that little kid in the wheelchair anymore. If you saw his recent interview with young reporter Emmy Eaton, you'd notice right away how much his voice has changed. He’s grown up.
He still deals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease. That hasn't gone away. He still makes the trek to Shriners Children’s Canada every four months for treatments. It’s basically a second home for him and his mom, Marie-Hélène. But the "what he’s doing" part is more about his transition from a patient ambassador to a young man with a career plan.
Kaleb has officially set his sights on communications and media arts. It makes sense, right? He spent his entire childhood in front of cameras, talking to millions of people. He knows how to work a room—or a studio. Instead of just being the face of the brand, he wants to be the person telling the stories.
The reality of living with "Brittle Bone Disease"
People often ask about his health because, frankly, the numbers are scary. Kaleb has broken his bones over 200 times. He’s had about a dozen surgeries. When you have OI, something as simple as a sneeze or a bumpy car ride can cause a fracture.
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But here is what most people get wrong: they think he’s "fragile" in a way that stops him from living.
Lately, Kaleb has been focusing heavily on his physical therapy. In recent updates from Shriners, he’s been working on standing and even taking steps on his own. It’s a massive milestone. He’s also a total "normal teenager" when the cameras are off. He’s obsessed with:
- Gaming: Like every other 17-year-old, he spends a lot of time on his console.
- Reading: He’s a big fan of diving into books when he’s stuck in the hospital.
- Trading Card Games: He’s into the strategy of collectible cards.
It’s easy to forget that while he’s a "celebrity" to us, he’s a guy who just wants to beat his friends at a game.
Debunking the rumors once and for all
We have to address the elephant in the room. A few years ago, a rumor caught fire on social media claiming Kaleb had passed away. It was everywhere.
It was 100% false. What actually happened was a tragic case of mistaken identity. Another young boy named Kaleb, who was also a patient in a different medical system, unfortunately passed away. Because they shared a first name, the internet did what the internet does—it panicked and shared the news without checking the facts. Shriners Hospitals had to put out several official statements confirming that Kaleb-Wolf was "alive and well."
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He even posted a video of himself dancing to prove he was doing just fine.
Why he still matters to Shriners
You might notice new kids in the commercials now—like Alec or Chloe. That’s how the ambassador program works; new kids come in to share their journeys. But Kaleb is sort of the "senior" member of the group now.
He still shows up for special events and holiday campaigns because he’s a symbol of what the hospital can do. Since he started his treatments at just seven days old, he is the literal "success story" for their specialized care. His bond with the doctors isn't just professional; he describes it as a reunion every time he goes back.
What's next for Kaleb?
The next year or two will be big for him. He’s looking at colleges and figuring out where he can study media. He’s already shown he can handle the pressure of being a public figure, so a career in broadcasting or social media management seems like a natural fit.
He’s also leaning into his role as a mentor. He talks a lot about "raising your sleeves and facing challenges" instead of giving up. It sounds like a cliché until you realize it's coming from a kid who has broken 200 bones and still smiles.
How to keep up with his journey
If you want to see what he’s up to without the filter of a TV commercial, you can usually find updates through:
- Shriners Children’s official social media: They frequently post "Where are they now" segments.
- The "7 Questions with Emmy" series: This is where he gave one of his most candid recent interviews.
- Patient Stories on the Shriners website: They keep a running log of his major medical milestones, like his progress with walking.
Kaleb’s story isn't just about a kid in a commercial. It’s about a guy who refused to let a genetic condition dictate his vibe. He’s proof that you can be "fragile" and incredibly tough at the same exact time.
Keep an eye out for his name in the next few years—there's a good chance he'll be the one interviewing other people on your screen soon.
Actionable Insight: If you're following Kaleb's story because you or a loved one are dealing with similar orthopedic challenges, look into the Shriners Children's "Patient Ambassador" program. It provides a community for kids with OI and other conditions to connect, which Kaleb has cited as a major reason for his positive outlook. You can also track his specific progress in their "No Small Wonder" updates on their official site.