We met with Mr. Alba and told him our story of how our son never returned to his apartment after visiting home on April 3, 2003. He left no notes, told nobody anything (he had 2 roommates), just disappeared. Mr. Alba said he usually didn't do these kind of searches, but something pulled him towards this case and he said he would do it.

We had a clue to go on through our son's cell phone that he was somewhere in Canada. Mr. Alba went there and a very short time gave us some good news that he had found him safe and well, but needed some time before talking to us. Mr. Alba encouraged our son to call us even if he didn't want to come home, just so we knew he was ok. It was a few days after Mr. Alba had returned home that we heard from our son and that he wanted to come home.

If not for Mr. Alba, our son might have taken a different way out and our story wouldn't be a happy one. But it did turn for the best and Mr. Alba deserves more than any award you could give him. Words alone can't say enough or how I feel about him and what he did for us.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Gassler

After an extensive search . . .Gil Alba traveled to Canada and found the college student alive in Quebec. The student returned home safely on time for Father's Day.