COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Brody Allen, a 2-year-old with terminal brain cancer, got a Christmas parade, a party and a Rozzi fireworks show Sunday, and he couldn’t have been happier.
“He was so happy,” said Brody’s sister, McKenzie Allen. “It was amazing. Not just for him, but for everybody.”
McKenzie’s feeling was shared by hundreds of people who participated and hundreds more who lined the parade route along Springdale Road. They got to see Brody riding a float, Santa Claus riding a fire truck and superheroes in mock battle on a flatbed.
Some people dressed up in Christmas regalia. There was Christmas music, Christmas lights, Christmas trees and Christmas snow.
Yes, snow.
”It brought tears to my eyes for the support for this little boy,” said Debbie Manning. “I have a 16-month-old grandson at home. I couldn’t imagine what something like that would be like if it was him.”
Santa Claus wishes Brody a Merry Christmas! @WCPO pic.twitter.com/DkDO5HB4UY
— Jake Ryle (@JakeWCPO) September 23, 2018
So awesome. Brody gets the best view of the parade. In the arms of his dad. Story on @WCPO at 6. pic.twitter.com/GRFedAPurl
— Jake Ryle (@JakeWCPO) September 23, 2018
Colerain is filled with holiday cheer! A parade for #TeamBrody is set to start at 4pm. Folks are decked out in some awesome holiday decorations and outfits. Even the dogs are getting in on the fun! @WCPO pic.twitter.com/WLn1NRdOZe
— Jake Ryle (@JakeWCPO) September 23, 2018
Manning came to watch with her 9-year-old Newfoundland, Bach.
“He enjoyed watching the parade. He had a front-row seat,” she said. ”Bach has visited several children’s programs. What more fitting for Bach to be here to support Brody.”
Brody’s father, Todd Allen, said Brody loved every moment.
“It made his day. It made everybody’s day,” he said. “We’re grateful to everyone for coming out and giving our family a huge hug.”
When they got the diagnosis that their son would likely not live to Dec. 25, Todd Allen and his wife decided to move their family's Christmas up to September, and support has been pouring in from across the Tri-State.
Once the story got on social media, it spread everywhere. Brody’s dad said his family has been flooded with Christmas cards from all over the world.
The Allen family will privately celebrate Christmas Eve on Monday and Christmas on Tuesday.
