Skip to content

We moved! Our Aurora office is now located at 1971 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506.

 

Nicholas R. Albers Memorial Advisory Fund

Established 2013

Nicholas R. Albers
Nicholas R. Albers

The Nicholas R. Albers Memorial Advisory Fund was created by the Albers Family in 2013 to honor the life of their son and brother, Nick Albers (1985 – 2005). This fund supports local not-for-profit organizations and the Nicholas R. Albers Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Albers Scholarship Fund awards scholarships 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

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar