Over a year ago our son, Alden an 18-year-old recent honor grad of ac Flora, a USC freshman became very sick and was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Alden suffered a traumatic brain injury the morning following the surgery due to a hemorrhage & strokes on the brainstem. After many complications and sicknesses following the tumor removal, Alden continued to fight through a coma, seizures, infections, numerous brain surgeries, and life-threatening illnesses. He was in the PICU for 4 months.
In January, Alden went to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehab where he faced more illnesses, challenges, and surgeries. He was released home in April and began in-home therapy.
After being home he battled several illnesses causing seizures but continued to battle and participate in therapy and gain strength. After seeing his rehab doctor, he was released to outpatient therapy. He is currently undergoing speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Alden is doing good. He is in recovery and will have to relearn everything. At this time he does not talk but he communicates by spelling, simple sign language, and head nods. He is on the list to try a communication device by Tobii Dynavox. He has a feeding tube but a strong desire to swallow again to eat regular food.
Alden’s tumor was an ependymoma grade II. Normally after the tumor removal radiation therapy would be standard treatment. He has an MRI every three months to check the tumor site for regrowth.
At this time he is in a wheelchair. But he is working hard to gain all control of his body to sit unassisted and stand and walk again. Our home his not wheelchair accessible though we have refinanced our house and plan to begin construction to renovate soon.
Alden is the strongest person I have ever met. He fights every day and works so hard. He is a warrior! The simple things we take for granted, Alden strives to have again. Alden has a faith like I’ve never seen before he continuously tells us his strength comes from the Lord.
Alden has a huge heart he helps me more than I could ever help him. He is a blessing. I do not understand the plan or reason for all that happened but I do believe God truly has a purpose for Alden in this life. #ALDENSTRONG
Hope session by Angel Kinard Photography | Instagram | Facebook