"A Long Road Ahead"
"It's hard for an adult to accomplish what he's done," doctor says
By TODD WRIGHT
Updated 3:30 PM EDT, Wed, Dec 23, 2009
For five hours a day, every day, Michael Brewer works with physical therapists in hopes of getting the strength back in his arms and legs.
Except for this Christmas. The only lifting the 15-year-old survivor will be doing then is picking up presents from his parents at his home in Deerfield Beach.
A day after Mikey was released from the hospital for the first time since nearly being burned alive in October, Brewer's family and physicians said the teen has made a miraculous recovery but his road to healing is a long way from being complete.
"There are still many intense months ahead," said Dr. Louis Pizano. "It's hard for an adult to accomplish what he's done."
Brewer suffered severe burns on nearly 70 percent of his body and has already undergone three skin grafts to replace the skin that was melted off from the malicious attack.
On Oct. 12, five other teenagers doused Brewer with alcohol and lit him with a lighter, sending the screaming boy running for a nearby pool. Three of the boys present during the attack have been charged with attempted murder and sit in a Broward County jail.
Brewer has been fighting an uphill battle ever since that day, doctors said. His home has been Jackson Memorial Hospital's Burn Unit, where he spent his first few days in an induced coma.
But now the teen is able to dress himself, shower and participate in other physical activities, but still endures significant pain.
"Last night was great except for the pain," said Brewer's mother, Valerie about her son's return home. "He had a very relaxing night. He's in very high spirits today. Being out of the hospital and being in a homey environment is incredibly uplifting, and he's really looking forward to spending Christmas with his family."
Doctors said the skin grafts appear to be holding up well and they don't anticipate having to do any more. Brewer still has open wounds on his body, but those should heal naturally. Brewer can walk, but therapists are working to improve his mobility so that he can run without any problems.
He's also seeing a therapist to help cope with the emotional trauma.
"He's going to have to deal with this for the rest of his life," Valerie Brewer said.
First Published: Dec 23, 2009 3:11 PM EDT
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