10 year old fire victim gives life even in death

PHILADELPHIA - June 11, 2011

Strawberry Mansion residents gathered Saturday night to remember the little boy whose organs will help others to live.

The songs, the candles, the stuffed animals and balloons were all for 10 year old Albert Blassengale.

"All I can think is my son all over again, but I will never forget this," said Albert's father.

His father is still recovering from facial injuries after he ran into the burning house Tuesday to try to save the boy.

Albert was pulled out, but it was too late.

Doctors declared Albert brain dead on Friday, and will be taken off of life support.

"He was a born again Christian," said Blassengale. "He was baptized on Easter, and he gave his life to the Lord, so he's ready."

Outside Albert's burned out home; those who loved him prayed and shared stories about the child who impacted people from his church to his Boy Scout troop.

"Albert was a very loving, very giving child, he would give you before he would take care of himself," said Yvonne Cook.

Family and friends were not only holding the vigil to mourn the loss of Albert, they were also celebrating his life and the fact he'll be giving life after death.

The reason Albert was kept on life support is because he is an organ donor.

"I'm not losing him, I'm gaining him in so many different ways, because of him being an organ donor, and I'm going to see him in so many different faces," said Blassengale. "That's what he was about. That's why he was a good Scout.

And as Albert's family remembers him, the cause of the fire that took his life is still under investigation.

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