This fund was created by the Albers Family in 2013 to honor the life of their son and brother, Nick Albers (1985 – 2005). Scholarships from the fund are awarded to graduates of St. Charles North High School in St. Charles, Illinois, to assist the educational futures of those who are dealing with the tremendous challenges of seen and unseen chronic pain. This fund also reflects Nick’s love for his family, friends and his Lord and the desire to share his faith with others.
Nick was born on April 18, 1985 in Ogden, Utah. He was a gifted young man who from an early age demonstrated his listening heart and his inquisitive, creative, and adventurous nature. He was a loving son and big brother to three extremely supportive siblings, Brittany, Natalie, and Gregory, and a great friend to many.
With an ever-constant smile on his face, he wanted to experience the gift of life to its fullest, from books, scouting, computers, and animals to remote-control helicopters, gymnastics, break-dancing, guitars, cycling, skate-boards, roller blading, and water and snow sports. Not one to sit on the sidelines, Nick followed his father’s passion for flying, studied and ultimately flew solo in a small single-engine plane.
A member of the first graduating class of St. Charles North High School, Nick was an honor student and gifted athlete, participating in track, swimming, cheerleading, peer mediation and many other school activities.
Nick was an active member of his church and its youth group. His life’s goal was to be a faithful follower of Christ, sharing the Good News of grace, love, and eternal life with everyone he met.
In January 2002, Nick was injured in a trampoline accident in which he broke his neck and back and suffered from a traumatic brain injury. He spent months recovering in the hospital and at home, continuing his junior year with tutors. Though he eventually appeared healed on the outside, he never stopped suffering from severe chronic pain. As a result, he developed chronic neuropathic pain syndrome as well as complications from the head injury.
He returned to school for his senior year, continuing physical therapy and rehabilitation while he and his family sought the wisdom of numerous physicians and the expertise of pain clinics to help relieve Nick of the chronic pain.
After graduation, Nick attended Northern Illinois University where he met Nicole, the love of his life who always stood by him. He gave one-hundred percent to his education in spite of numerous physical and emotional challenges.
Like so many others in chronic pain, Nick chose to hide it from most people. With the Lord’s grace and power, Nick was strong in the face of unending suffering so that God would be glorified. He focused on others, listening as they shared their joys and their troubles, hoping to smooth their path through life. While he didn’t want to burden anyone else, he was thankful when others asked how he felt, reached out in kindness, and offered to pray for him. As loved ones who walked with Nick, we learned about invisible pain and the struggle to endure. We believe that Nick would want others to share their pain so that their burden could be lightened.
On November 14, 2005, Nick passed away from an accidental prescription overdose. Those who knew Nick during his short life will always remember his joy for living, his compassion for others, his friendly spirit, his curiosity to learn more, and his contagious passion for Christ. These words are forever etched in hearts and heaven for Nick: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
