WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- The parents of a Deerfield Beach teenager are expressing their thanks to the public.
Valerie and Michael Brewer Sr.'s son, Michael, was recently set on fire, allegedly by other teens.
The Brewers have been by Michael's side in the Jackson Memorial Hospital Burn Unit the entire time. They appeared exclusively on the TODAY SHOW Wednesday.
"We wanted to give everybody our heartfelt thank you for your cards, your letters, your prayers. Being that it's the day before Thanksgiving, we'd like everybody to look into their hearts and truly find what they are thankful for," says Valerie Brewer.
Valerie says her son's progress has been incredible, that he has a long way to go, but is very determined.
"The physical struggles he has on a daily basis, it hurts him just to take a drink of water. It sometimes brings tears to his eyes, it hurts so bad," says Valerie.
"In the beginning we were doing the hard work. Now he's doing the hard work in therapy everyday," says Jackson Memorial Hospital's Dr. Nicholas Namias.
Three boys are accused of pouring alcohol on Brewer and setting him on fire.
Matthew Bent, Jesus Mendez, and Denver Jarvis face attempted murder charges.
Jarvis' younger brother, Jeremy, apparently watched the incident happen. He has not been charged. Neither has a fifth boy who was allegedly involved.
Jeremy Jarvis, 13, publically apologized for the attack on Thursday.
"I wanna express my deepest sympathy to Mikey and his family. I will pray for Mikey to grow stronger everyday and for Mikey's speedy recovery. I wanna tell my brother DC I love and miss him I just hope and pray we all get through this," said Jeremy Jarvis.
The Brewers say they're staying away from what Valerie calls "negative energy."
The Brewers did not want to comment on the public statements and the ongoing investigation, but Valerie does offer all of us some advice.
"Find what you're thankful for... go out to the community and share that gratitude that you have, that you've been sharing with us, and share it with everybody else. Not just in your community but around the world," said Valerie.
A skin graft procedure is scheduled for Monday.
Brewer suffered burns over 65 percent of his body.
The Brewers are focusing on Michael's physical and emotional recovery.
The family is looking forward to a Thanksgiving Day together.
