Family plan early Christmas for terminally-ill boy, 2, given just weeks to live
Christmas has come early for a terminally ill two-year-old boy, as neighbours rallied together to bring festive magic to his final weeks of life.
After being diagnosed with embryonal brain cancer (ETMR) – an extremely rare brain tumour – in May, Brody Allen endured several months of chemotherapy treatment before doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do.
With five incurable tumours intertwined in his brain stem, doctors gave Brody just two-months left to live – and that was five weeks ago.
Realising their beloved boy wouldn’t live to see another Christmas, mum Shilo and the rest of the Allen family decided to bring the festive holiday forward.
They decorated the inside and outside of their home in, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the US, with lights, inflatable figures and bellowing Christmas music.
Struggling to find enough Christmas decorations in September to complete their vision, the Allen family set up a Facebook page asking neighbours and members of their local town to borrow more lights.
Incredibly, not only were the Allen family gifted with an abundance of fairy lights and tinsel, but their neighbours began decorating their homes, too. Soon, the entire street was revelling in the festive illusion.
Overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, the Allens insist Brody knows no difference when it comes to the date, and, in his mind, it’s “just Christmas”.
Big sister McKenzie, 21, said: “Christmas has always been a very special time for our family.
“When we knew Brody wasn’t going to make it to Christmas this year, we decided to make it come early and bring it to him.
“Knowing how much he enjoyed Christmas last year, we had to do it for him – we wanted to pack in as many happy memories with him before he leaves.
“We realised we didn’t have [many decorations], so we asked if anyone had any extras they’d be willing to donate – and it just exploded from there.
“We got so many donations, Christmas cards and presents – it was all so incredible.”
The boy’s big sister said Brody doesn’t know the fuss is for him – or that it’s not actually Christmas.
“He just woke up one day, saw all of the lights and has been in awe ever since,” she said.
“He loves sitting in his wagon and looking at the lights at night; he loves opening all the presents and mail he’s receiving. Everything everyone has done for us means the world.
“They greatest gift they’ve given us is strength – strength when we needed it the most.”
On May 5, Brody awoke at home feeling extremely dizzy and soon became unable to walk.
Rushing him to the hospital and believing the issue to be an ear infection, Shilo was soon given the devastating news by doctors, who they confirmed Brody was suffering from an extremely rare type of brain cancer. ETMR affects around only 300 people.
After Brody endured several months of chemotherapy, a follow-up scan on August 4 confirmed the family’s worst fears – the treatment had been unsuccessful and there was nothing more doctors could do.
Determined to make the last few weeks of his life as special as possible, McKenzie and the rest of her family organised Brody’s final Christmas dinner for September 25.
“When we realised the treatment had failed, it was hard for all of us – including the doctors,” McKenzie said.
“Brody had taken to the chemo so well, so it was such a shock to find out it hadn’t worked. However, we had to push that aside and make the most of our time with Brody.
“I can’t begin to explain how much everyone’s support has meant to our family.
“This is the worst time in our lives, and instead of focusing on the even worse moments ahead, we’re able to focus on the happy ones now – and that’s all thanks to complete strangers.”
