Burn survivor Michael Brewer done with therapy

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - Michael Brewer attended a burn clinic for the last time Monday after nearly a year of therapy for severe burns that covered over two-thirds of his body, Brewer's mother announced in an online posting.

"We spent the morning visiting with the doctors, nurses, techs, and occupational therapists that dedicated their tears, time, and talent to helping Mikey," Valerie Riley Brewer wrote in a Facebook posting Tuesday morning. "It was a very emotional day."

Michael Brewer, 15, suffered second and third degree burns after authorities said he was set on fire by classmates last October. He had been receiving therapy at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Burn Center in Miami.

On Monday, Michael Brewer went to the burn center for the last time and doctors released him. He will not need any further treatment unless there is an unforeseen problem, said his grandmother, Reenie Brewer.

"It's wonderful," Reenie Brewer said. "Everything that has happened to him in his recovery has been a miracle. He is in a really good place right now."

As he left the center, television crews spoke to the teen.

"I feel good, I don't have to come back here anymore," Michael Brewer told WSVN-Ch. 7. "I'm free."

According to authorities, a classmate said that Brewer was set afire over money owed for a video game.

That student, Matthew Bent, 15, is accused of ordering a friend, Denver Jarvis, 15, to pour rubbing alcohol on Brewer. A third student, Jesus Mendez, 16, is accused of flicking a lighter and setting Brewer ablaze.

Brewer survived by jumping into a nearby swimming pool. He had to undergo several skin grafts and surgeries, but has returned to classes and is attending Jaega Middle School in West Palm Beach.

Jarvis, Bent, and Mendez remained jailed on attempted murder charges.

As he left the burn center Monday, Michael Brewer told crews what helped him through the several skin grafts and surgeries:

"Prayers, believing," Brewer said. "And just family, I guess."

Copyright © 2010, South Florida Sun-Sentinel