CLIFTON, Ohio — The Legendary Lights at the Historic Clifton Mill are a special experience for anyone visiting during the Christmas season.
But for one boy, his trip means so much more.
“I think I’m at 17 surgeries now, I’ve lost count at this point,” Brody said.
Brody was born with a condition called craniosynostosis and also suffers from a rare auto-immune disease. He’s had three major skull reconstruction surgeries before his 13th birthday.
“It’s rough, but stuff like this helps out quite a bit,” Brody said.
He also started the covered bridge light show.
Brody’s mom, Tawnya Heinrich, said Christmas is his favorite holiday, so they try to make it special for him every year.
“Being a sick kid just kind of sucks and when he gets to do stuff like this on a not-so-fun situation (means a lot),” Tawnya said.
Each year, the Clifton Mill allows ambassadors from Dayton Children’s Hospital the chance to run the show as honorary switch flippers.
Clifton Mill owner Anthony Satariano II said it’s the perfect way to give back.
“This is one of the few nights that is extremely special to me personally,” Satariano said. “Years ago, when my children were first born, they went through a lot of things and we were at Dayton Children’s a lot. I mean a lot. Those people are amazing.”
Knowing firsthand how tough that is, Satariano uses his piece of magic to make a difference for children going through a tough time.
“These children are very special,” he said. “To give them at least one night where they can smile and enjoy their family and forget about their issues and so forth; it just means a lot to everybody.”
Brody’s magical night wasn’t over.
Santa himself had a special set of Christmas gifts for the young man: Pokemon legos.
“Oh my gosh,” Brody exclaimed when opening the gifts.
Brody’s night at the Clifton Mill is one he will never forget.
“It is absolutely awesome,” Brody said. “I was not expecting this, I was expecting, well, not as much. When we were coming out I didn’t see all the lights in the grass and when we turned them on I was extremely shocked. This is so cool.”
The Clifton Mill also hosted 11-year old William McCoy III to be an honorary switch flipper.
McCoy III, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, has been in and out of the hospital as well.
The Legendary Lights at the Historic Clifton Mill are available to view from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. now until Dec. 30.
More information on the holiday attraction can be found here.
