The seniors at Independence Hall Retirement Community baked cookies and other tasty goodies in hopes of raising a little cash to help a teen who had nearly been burned alive.
They didn't expect they might actually get a chance to feed the boy's sweet tooth in person.
But that's what happened Wednesday when Michael Brewer showed up to say thank you to the group in person, his first public appearance since being set on fire by schoolmates last year.
Brewer, who has been in intense physical therapy trying to recover from his injuries, attended the bake sale in Wilton Manors with his mother and father.
"I just wanted to say hi and thank you for all your prayers and meet some people who were doing all this stuff for me," Brewer said. "I think it's wonderful."
Brewer's presence elevated the small gathering to a momentous occasion. The teen wasn't shy about showing some of the scars on his arms and legs and he did it with a smile. People posed with 15-year old Brewer like he was a rock star.
In a sense, the teen has become a hero to so many in South Florida and nationwide.
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Brewer's recovery has been nothing short of miraculous and much of the nation has followed his progress after hearing of the terrible ordeal of they boy they came to know as "Mikey."
On Oct. 12, five teens attacked Brewer near his Deerfield Beach home and doused the boy with rubbing alcohol before lighting him on fire. Brewer was able to dive into a nearby pool to extinguish the flames, but the damage had been done and he suffered severe burns on 70 percent of his body.
Three of the teens currently face attempted murder charges for the attack.
Brewer has had extensive surgery and has suffered breathing complications since the attack. He's been in and out of the hospital ever since.
His parents said the physical therapy is still tough, but Wednesday might be a sign that things could be turning in the right direction for Brewer.
