Center City letter bomb victim: My life changed on that day

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Jim Alden says he is resting at home and is feeling a little bit better, but knows he has a long road ahead.

Alden, 60, was severely injured after opening an envelope in his Center City Philadelphia apartment last Tuesday.

A week later, Alden has released a statement to Action News on his recovery.

"The "shrapnel" damage to my face, chest and arms is slowly healing, and a blister on my ear drum is affecting my hearing, but is supposed to heal. At this point, I only know that I have a long road ahead of me, and I will likely be unable to work for quite some time," Alden wrote.

The ATF, FBI, Postal Inspector and the Philadelphia Police Department are working together to try to find the person or persons who either sent or placed the envelope.

Alden says he does not want to interfere with their investigation, so he's unable to provide any updates on that front.

He is stunned, though, at the support he's receiving from those closest to him.

"What I want to say at this point is how overwhelmed I have been at the outpouring of love and support that I've received from my partner, family, friends, and coworkers," Alden wrote.

His friends have set up a YouCaring.com page to help with medical and living expenses during his recovery.

"As I go forward in my recovery I know I will continue to rely on the loving care of my partner and my friends, and I appreciate everyone's concern and compassion," Alden wrote.

Philadelphia police responded to the 1800 block of Pine Street around 4 a.m. on November 22, where they found Alden lying injured in his first floor apartment.

It was clear there had been some type of explosion that happened when Alden opened a large padded envelope that he believed contained medication he receives through the mail.

Investigators say the envelope was addressed to Alden and they believe it was intended for him, although they don't know why.

Alden's partner was also home at the time, but was not injured.

Alden works in the banquet department of the Warwick Rittenhouse Hotel. Police say he had been out of town and had just returned back to the city.

It's unclear when the parcel arrived and whether it came through the mail or was placed at the address.

FULL STATEMENT:

There has been substantial news coverage about the letter bomb that seriously injured me on the morning of November 22, 2016. Now, one week later, I'm happy to be resting at home and feeling a little bit better. My life changed on that day, and I still face more surgeries to deal with the significant damage to my left hand. The "shrapnel" damage to my face, chest and arms is slowly healing, and a blister on my ear drum is affecting my hearing, but is supposed to heal. At this point, I only know that I have a long road ahead of me, and I will likely be unable to work for quite some time.

Because I would never want to impede or interfere with the local, state and federal investigators who are working hard to solve this crime, I'm unable to provide an update on the criminal investigation. I will leave that up to those professionals. What I want to say at this point is how overwhelmed I have been at the outpouring of love and support that I've received from my partner, family, friends, and coworkers.

Through the YouCaring.com web site, my friends have set up a donation site to help me with medical and living expenses during my recovery, upcoming surgeries, and physical rehabilitation. The comments on this site () are beautifully supportive and inspiring, and the funds raised will be invaluable as I deal with medical expenses and the potential of many months without income.

As I go forward in my recovery I know I will continue to rely on the loving care of my partner and my friends, and I appreciate everyone's concern and compassion.

Sincerely,
Jim Alden