There is no greater love than the love of a child by a parent. There is nothing that a parent wouldn’t do for their child. A good home, a good education, and so much more. And yes, life itself when threatened. And that was the case over 3 years ago with Roswell’s Albers family.
Will Albers, the son of Georgia State Senator John and Kari Albers, learned in 2020 that his kidneys were failing and failing at an alarming rate. He was admitted to the hospital where further testing proceeded along with prayers from family and friends. Will’s condition was truly life threatening with no clear reason. The doctors and medical staffs at both Northside Cherokee and Emory Hospitals realized a kidney donor would have to be found. And that donor would ultimately be his father, John.
As this magazine reported in November 2021, the transplant was successful with both John and Will healthy and fine… then and now. As John stated 3-years ago, “We are both feeling great…. With new milestones each day. The future is very bright.”
And bright it is. Yes, of course, for Will is alive today and doing well but beyond that. Often, a life-changing event, which this was, impacts not only those directly affected but other lives as well. The impact of love and outpouring of support from their congregation at Roswell United Methodist to the Georgia senate to the Roswell Rotary, was abundant. And while for many, that would be enough and end there. Not for the senator and his family.
Instead, they put their efforts into helping and supporting a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, founded in 2018, called Second Alarm (www.2nd-Alarm.com). Second Alarm’s mission is twofold:
· To advocate for organ donation and to provide essential support to first responders. They strive to drive legislative changes, increase organ donor registrations, and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of organs.
· Offering direct assistance and resources to firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and 911 operators, recognizing the invaluable role these heroes play in our communities.
This is truly a match meant to be. Senator Albers served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for decades continuing his family legacy which spans generations of First Responders. “Second Alarm, which means ‘I need help’ was just truly a match to meant to be,” explained Senator Albers. “Their dedication to support firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and 911 dispatcher heroes is noble and inspiring to all. It was to our family.” Will’s story, along with the support from the entire Albers family, led Second Alarm to do even more by providing resources, community support, and assistance to those navigating the challenging journey of organ donation while still serving those who protect us.
Destiny? Fate? I’ll let the reader decide. What we do know is that a son is alive today due to the unconditional love by his father and the community, both near and far, has been enriched by bringing the Albers family and Second Alarm together. Tragedy to triumph. It's alive and well in Roswell.