We had spent a week at another hospital after our son was diagnosed with a large tectal brainstem tumor. At the other hospital, we were told that the tumor was in the worst possible spot and there was only a single way to get to it, which would result in serious quality of life issues later, or even death. We were told that even getting a simple biopsy would put our child in significant danger. The team at Lurie Children's reached out to us after reviewing my son's case, at the request of the other hospital. We immediately requested a transfer. We met, shortly thereafter, with Dr. Alden. The difference in confidence between Dr. Alden and our other doctor was night and day. He explained very matter-of-factly that he was going to perform surgery and get as much of the tumor as possible, but would avoid being extremely aggressive, as that could jeopardize my son's well being. He said that there were multiple ways to go in a attack the tumor, which is not what we had been led to believe at our other hospital. Dr. Alden removed almost half of the tumor and my son was acting normally within about two hours. The incision and subsequent stitching was so perfect, I doubt it will even leave a scar. The tumor is benign, but we will have to continue monitoring and do some chemotherapy. I would trust Dr. Alden to operate on my son, if needed, again, without question. Many thanks to Dr. Alden and the entire Lurie Team!

Submitted April 7, 2015

Dr. Alden is a genius. He is the best man we know. One year ago our 11 year old daughter had a shunt malfunction and needed a shunt revision. We trusted Dr. Alden he is a trained professional and he knew what he was doing.

Submitted Sept. 2, 2013

I love Dr Alden. He is the best doctor ever and he cured my brain tumor! I just saw him 2 days ago and said I was cured but I hope i still get to see him because he is the best!

Submitted April 8, 2011

Our son had been suffering for 7 years with massive daily headaches that lasted for 12-18 hours. Dr Alden gave us hope and the confidence we needed to schedule surgery when all of the other doctors we saw only gave us more doubt. It's impossible to thank him enough for giving us our son back. He will always be a hero in our house, not simply for his skill as a surgeon, but for his confidence and ability to inspire confidence in his patients.

Submitted March 23, 2011

Dr. Alden is simply as close to a miracle worker as there is on all levels. He not only saved our 6-yr old son's life by removing an osteoid osteoma near the base of our son's brainstem, but our son was able to leave the hospital on Memorial Day only 3 days after surgery. Dr. Alden's bedside manner is unmatched, both with the children, as well as w/the parents. My wife & I searched the midwest for 3 months to find a specialist willing to help our son before we found Dr. Alden. Our family is blessed to have many family friends who are doctors in various fields, all of whom believe our son was given a second chance due to the unbelievable expertise of Dr. Alden. Our son, who other doctors told us would either not survive the surgery, or at least suffer paralysis of some type, was in a neck brace for only 2 months, and 3 years later, shows not even a single scar from Dr. Alden's work. We trusted this man with our son's life, and would do it 1,000 times again if we had to.

Submitted Dec. 27, 2009

Dr. Alden was instrumental in my care. His clinical skills are unmatched. While operating on the brain is incredibly technical, he is able to convey the complexities in english that a anyone can understand. I hope I never have to see him again, but if I do, I know I'll be under excellent care.

Submitted Feb. 16, 2006