Michael Brewer, Burn Victim, Has Thousands Raised For Him At Benefit

Valerie Brewer described the turnout at a fundraiser held for her son Michael as "incredible." The 15-year-old Michael was doused with alcohol and set on fire a month ago in South Florida. Three boys have been charged with attempted murder and will be tried as adults. But Valerie Brewer says that she's not focusing on the prosecution of the assailants, only on her son's quick recovery.

A foundation to help pay Michael's medical bills has already raised over $130,000, including donations from several members of the Miami Dolphins who attended the fundraiser, including injured quarterback Chad Pennington.

All donations are currently being directed through Neighbors 4 Neighbors, sponsored by the local CBS affiliate. To make a donation to Michael Brewer's fund, visit their site and specify "Michael Brewer" in the field marked "Intention For Donation." You can also donate via the widget below.

Don't have money to donate? You can join the Facebook group Pray for Michael Brewer and leave him a message.

Michael's doctor and mother say that he is making great progress. Valerie says Michael is determined to overcome his ailments and return to normal life. His friend D.C., a brother of one of the suspects, expressed his sympathies to "Mikey" and said he hoped they could all get through this. Watch the complete report on "Good Morning America."

Comments

[imanathiest]

12:24 PM on 11/30/2009

imanathiest

I think spending time on a burn unit would be good for these boys.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I meant doing volunteer time - not being burned. As much as I want them to learn from this and be punished, violence in response to violence only begets more violence

[imanathiest]

12:22 PM on 11/30/2009

I think spending time on a burn unit would be good for these boys.

[zombywulf]

11:39 PM on 01/04/2010

I think life in prison is a better answer.

[Nor Cal Mom]

12:44 AM on 11/29/2009

I went to the article and kept looking around. The 911 call from a woman n the apartment complex was released and the poor child is screaming in the background. There is no way I could listen to that because I know myself and I would have nightmares.

My prayers go out to the family and the victim.

[Neoamericanboy]

10:36 AM on 11/27/2009

24 hour news, internet, Fox News, is too much too handle even for one day.

[FdeBear]

09:03 PM on 11/26/2009

I wish this young man a speedy recovery and his family and friends all the best BUT...here we go again -we gotta pass the hat to help this family fight off bankruptcy! Enough! These are great feel good events and it's wonderful for the community to come together to show support, but I'd rather see us try to take up a collection for the Mideast war with the assurance that Michael Brewer's needs will be taken care of and not the way it has always been.

[Hugh Sansom]

10:26 AM on 11/26/2009

One thing to note here: The victim's mother has to worry about paying for his care. If we had a European or Canadian style health care system, at least that worry would be gone from the pain she, and her son of course, are facing. But no. Obama, a large number of Democrats and all Republicans feel that helping people in pain is not the American way.

[Ken Maddox]

11:04 PM on 11/26/2009

But wouldn't you miss these heart wrenching pleas for help? I would so miss the old system of health care, the one that gives you the freedom to choose how to set up a charity to help pay for care such as this person requires.
I am being extremely sarcastic (for those who oppose Single Payer).

[PaticaDeGato]

07:10 AM on 11/26/2009

One of those situations where you wish Hammurabi's code were still in use.

[Geoboy]

10:08 AM on 11/26/2009

Hammurabi's code and you wonder why the Mideast is in such a mess and our young Americans are dying for such stupid nonsense. This situation does not call for more violence or for the barbarity of the Mideast. If you believe in this code move to Iraq or Afghanistan and if you are a Christian or free and open woman see how long you will be tolerated: good luck.

[hellboundtrain]

05:21 AM on 11/26/2009

A father's empathy and sorrow here, with a sincere wish for Michael to heal as soon as possible.

[RedDonnaAnn]

03:30 AM on 11/26/2009

No, no violent video games, rap lyrics, movies, tv and advertisements have had no negative effect on our (YOUR youth if you're a parent) Same with the West Contra Costa County 15 year old who was beaten unconcisou and gang raped for two hours while her classmates watched. No, no adults can put kids in front of violence, sexual assault, theft, arson and tortue as entertainment but they cannot be shocked when the kids mimic what we told them was fun. No. No.

[glockman]

07:59 AM on 11/26/2009

I watch violent movies, and play violent video games all the time, and I have no desire to hurt anyone unless it's self defense.

Come to think of it, I watched Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry growing up, and I don't recall me or my friends ever sticking ACME dynamite in anyone's mouth.

[bbaker2580]

09:38 AM on 11/26/2009

...this sort of thing never happened before tv, video games, or movies... no. no?

[inmyelement]

11:25 PM on 11/25/2009

Those boys who did this need to suffer severely for what they have done. While I'm not in favor of the death penalty, I think these youngster's need to spend many years in confinement...they do not seem fit to live among normal humanity.

I thank God that Michael Brewer's face and hands were not burned.

The family has a long and hard road ahead of them...they will need all the $$ and the prayers and the help they can get.

[Gin1234]

10:31 PM on 11/25/2009

I saw a report on CNN earlier. None of the boys who set him on fire, nor their families have reached out to Michael or his family. These boys should be made to pay heavily for this. First of all their freedom should be denied for many many years. Even at that, it will never equal the amount of suffering this boy will live through in his life.

[YLS2007]

10:41 PM on 11/25/2009

A shame there's not an affordable health insurance plan available so the family wouldn't have to beg for money in order to pay their kid's medical bills...

[NoProblemPablo]

11:25 PM on 11/25/2009

EXACTLY. Every time I read these things I get furious that the article doesn't go into the victims insurance situation. The other day I stopped to buy gas and on the counter next to the register was a donation can so that a young father could get a DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT. There's more of us under the boot than there is of those wearing it. When do we start kicking ass and taking names?

[ShamusNYC]

02:30 AM on 11/26/2009

What are you talking about? This is the Cantor plan - if you get sick, go panhandling, and best of luck to ya!

[mahdeealoo]

10:11 PM on 11/25/2009

He would be much more comfortable on a sheep skin. It's soft and will help heal by the "atmosphere" it creates for the skin to lay against. It's much more breathable than a mattress and a sheet.

[RedDonnaAnn]

03:31 AM on 11/26/2009

Not to mention impossible to rid of germs and bacteria.

[alwaysthere]

10:03 PM on 11/25/2009

as a boy i never saw a bag lady
now everyday i see homeless young people everywhere
everyday.

[alwaysthere]

09:48 PM on 11/25/2009

this sad conclusion: we are a country at war with itself.

[hellboundtrain]

05:06 AM on 11/26/2009

The neocon crew is at war with humanity.

[MrsFonebone]

09:39 PM on 11/25/2009

I am glad that his face seems to have been spared, so his sight and sense of smell will be ok--so many burn victims have the added trauma of facial disfigurement--at least he was spared that. A tiny blessing in the overall horror, but it is one nonetheless.
Get well soon, kid! Millions of people are wishing you well!

[Lucille]

11:17 PM on 11/25/2009

Amen.