In August 2018, doctors told two-year-old Brody Allen’s parents that he had less than two months left to live.
Brody was born with an extremely rare type of brain cancer, and after spending most of his short life fighting, there were no more options left for treatment.
This terrible news was made even more devastating by the fact that Brody would not get to celebrate his favorite holiday one last time, Christmas.
But when his friends, neighbors and members of the local community heard the news, they took things a step further and banded together to celebrate Christmas early this year just for Brody.
It all started simply enough. Christmas had always been special to Brody and his family, and they wanted Brody’s last months to be filled with joy.
They decided to decorate their home, inside and out, with Christmas decorations and have their own early celebration.
Soon the neighbors took notice. Moved by this boy’s story, they too began decorate the neighborhood with lights and giant inflatable Christmas characters.
Before long, plans were coming together for a giant neighborhood Christmas parade complete with Santa and superheroes, and even a fireworks display!
All this just for Brody!
Brody’s family was incredibly moved by these amazing displays of love and kindness from the community, but they were even more shocked when they began receiving mail from complete strangers.
Brody received letters and cards filled with encouragement not just from his neighbors, but from people living in places as far away as New Zealand and England.
Eventually, Brody was no longer able to use his left arm and left leg due to the effects of the cancer. However, he kept his cheerful spirit and was still able to crawl.
Doctors could not understand how this was possible, since his cancer was at such an advanced stage by that time.
However, Brody’s dad, Todd Allen, had his own thoughts about Brody’s abilities: “I have an explanation, and that’s based on my faith. I believe all of the prayers and love that was sent across the world to him helped him, and helped us, and helped him enjoy his final months.”
By the beginning of October, Brody’s family knew their time with him was short.
Once he had lived past the last day of his life expectancy, Brody’s dad made it clear that Brody was on “God’s time.”
And on October 19th, Brody lost his battle with cancer, cradled in the loving arms of his mother, Shilo, and the rest of his family close by.
Though his family has experienced unbelievable pain and loss, their faith in God and the support from the community has helped to keep them strong.
Todd Allen is even hopeful for the future effect that his son’s life can have in the medical community.
After Brody’s passing, his family donated his brain for scientific research in the hopes that other lives could be saved.
Through all of the difficulty they have experienced, they have been able to see the good that can come from even the most devastating experiences.
Todd Allen had this to say about the loss of his son: “While our sadness is immeasurable … we are also comforted in knowing that today our son has touched the face of God.”
Brody was deeply loved by his family, but his story touched his entire community of Cincinnati, Ohio in profound ways, and continues to have a powerful effect in the surrounding areas and beyond.
As Christmas approaches, it never hurts to be reminded of the true reason for the season.
A savior was born who would eventually defeat death itself and wipe away every tear.
A savior to does all things for the good of those who love Him.
Please pray for the Allen family this Christmas season, and praise God for what he has done for all of us.
