COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Brody Allen, the 2-year-old from Ohio who got an early Christmas this year because doctors said he wouldn't live until December, has died.
Brody's father, Todd Allen, posted the news on Facebook Friday.
"This morning at 6 a.m. Brody passed quietly, and peacefully in the arms of his mother Shilo," he wrote. "He did not suffer. He was surrounded by his family and I have no doubt many angels. While our sadness is immeasurable and we will miss his smiling beautiful soul, we are also comforted in knowing that today our son has touched the face of God."
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Colerain Township last month to put on a Christmas parade for Brody after doctors said he wouldn't live long enough to celebrate on the holiday.
Neighbors decorated their homes, Brody rode a float in the parade and he got to celebrate at a party with Santa Claus and fireworks.
"He was so happy, Brody’s sister, McKenzie Allen, said that day. "It was amazing. Not just for him, but for everybody."
Word of the early Christmas celebration for Brody spread far once it hit social media. Todd Allen previously said the family was receiving Christmas cards from all over the world.
"The letters are a blessing to us all. It's become a significant part of our day. And we couldn't enjoy it more," he said.
After the big parade and party, the family privately celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Colerain Township officials established a location for well-wishers to leave memorials at Drew Campbell Memorial Park, next to the administrative building at 4200 Springdale Road. All items left there will be given to the Allen family, police said.
"It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Brody Allen," police said in a news release. "Brody captured our attention and love over the past few months as he and his family bravely battled the disease that has ultimately taken his life."
Services for Brody are being finalized and will occur at the end of next week, according to police. They said that donations can be made to the official Brody Allen Gofundme page in lieu of flowers or gifts.
