Rocktoberfest will help 20-month-old

Two months ago, Eddie and Jackie Johnson faced a parent's worst nightmare.

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While at the baby sitter's house Sept. 9, the couple's toddler, Brody, wandered outside through a doggie door and into the swimming pool.

"He probably jumped in the swimming pool, which is what he's used to, and nobody was there to catch him this time," said Brody's aunt, Donna Ligon.

Brody, who is now in a coma, went into cardiac arrest for at least 25 minutes, she said.

After spending eight weeks in intensive care at Medical College of Georgia Hospital, Brody returned to his Grovetown home Tuesday under the 24-hour surveillance and care of nurses, his aunt said.

On Saturday, a fundraiser featuring music and race car displays will take place from 3-7 p.m. at Columbia County Amphitheater to help Brody's family.

"They're just in awe," Ligon said of how the boy's parents feel about the fundraiser. "I think it's amazing the amount of people that have come out to show support for Brody and trying to help with his recovery."

The second annual Rock-toberfest is presented by Driven Ministries, a nonprofit organization formed for "having music concerts with a positive environment and upbeat messages at race tracks," said David Brassell, an event coordinator and volunteer for Driven Ministries.

The free concert will include performances by Covenant, The Tom Miller Project, Impulse Ride, Christian Harmony and The Sanctuary Praise Team.

Professional race car driver Free Pennington will sign autographs, and the Free American Race team will showcase 850-horsepower race cars.

"We're just trying to raise money for him and his family," said Pennington, who started Driven Ministries with his wife. "I'm sure the hospital bills are going to get crazy."

Donation booths will be set up, and food vendors and inflatable activities for children will be available.

Pennington, of Martinez, said he can relate to the Johnsons' situation. His daughter, Gracie-Kate, underwent two open-heart surgeries before she was 2.

As the 20-month-old leaves the hospital and returns home, his family hopes for the moment when he opens his eyes.

"He knows we're here," Li-gon said. "It's just that we need those eyes to open up. That's what we're waiting on."

For information, call (706) 339-5782 or visit www.driven-ministries.com.