By Hannah Poling
Messenger Reporter

Every October, the Canal Winchester community turns grief into generosity during Brocktober. A month-long celebration honoring the life and legacy of Brock Dalen Johnson, a local boy whose strength, kindness, and courage left a lasting mark.

Brock, known affectionately as “B-Rock,” was smart, funny, fiercely competitive, and full of heart. Though he quietly battled an unknown autoimmune disease from infancy, he never let it slow him down. He earned straight A’s, played multiple sports, volunteered through his church, and stood up for others as part of his school’s anti-bullying club.

Brock passed away in 2015 at the age of 14, following complications from a bone marrow transplant. That same year, his family founded the BrockStrong Foundation to carry forward his spirit of compassion.

Brocktober began as a way to celebrate Brock’s birthday on October 19, but it has since grown into a movement powered by the people of Canal Winchester and beyond. Brocktober reflects what Brock believed: “Every day is a gift.”

One of the month’s most anticipated traditions is Brock’s Birthday Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day. On October 19, teams of volunteers spread out across Canal Winchester, Pickerington, and Groveport to perform 11 Big Random Acts of Kindness.

“Some of our favorite memories are paying for groceries and hearing the stories of how badly it was needed,” said Terry and Kristi Johnson, Brock’s parents and Executive Directors of the BrockStrong Foundation. “Or being able to take someone who was buying the bare minimum back through the store to get what they need.”

The Johnson’s say the impact goes both ways, inspiring both recipients and those giving.

“The community loves to see our group show up because they know something good is sure to happen,” added the Johnson’s “They are always so generous with their time and support throughout the year.”

Over the last decade, more than 3,800 volunteers have helped raise over $1.83 million for causes that mattered to Brock, supporting travel baseball, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and families in need. This year alone, the foundation will provide Thanksgiving dinner for five families in need and support 11 families at Christmas. Every dollar donated goes straight back into the community.

As Brocktober continues to grow, so does its message: that one person, especially one child, can truly make a difference. In Canal Winchester, Brock’s legacy lives on, not just in memory, but in action.

This year the foundation has added its first Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit brockstrongfoundation.com.