Since October 12, 2009, life changed for 15 year-old Michael Brewer and his family. It was that day last fall that Michael was doused in alcohol and set on fire by other teens. It was one of the most vicious and horrific forms of bullying, and allegedly over a dispute about money for a video game.
Today, Michael Brewer is a survivor, and fought back with a tough and sometime grueling recovery, however he is now enjoying going back to his sports such as skateboarding, baseball, biking and basketball.
School violence and bullying is a growing concern and it has to stop. Michael Brewer will be starting a new school tomorrow and is very excited to get back to school. Although he wasn't able emotionally to go back to his house, his grandparents have taken him and his family in and have become advocates against school violence.
Michael credits the overwhelming support of people from the community as well as people from all over the world. He stated he believes it was all their prayers, thoughts, good wishes and support that pulled him through this brutal attack and painful recovery. Michael is now looking forward, not back.
Today, fellow classmate, Josie Ratley is a victim of malicious text rage and bullying. On March 17th, Josie was savagely attacked by 15 year-old Wayne Treacy. After coming out of her third brain surgery yesterday, Josie has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Michael Brewer will be there to be her mentor and her friend. This is a very sad bond they will always share and not one you want to have.
In both cases, the teens that were the perpetrators will be tried as adults in Broward County.
Many prayers and thoughts are with both the Brewer and Ratley family.
Watch Michael Brewer appearance on Today Show below.
Comments
Michael is an amazing survivor and hopefully his story will help bring attention to the overwhelming challenges of bullying and school violence.
Awareness and Accountability are critically needed at ALL LEVELS (Boards, Superintendents, Faculty, Mental Health, Staff, Students, Parents, etc.) Lessons learned clearly demonstrate traditional approaches are not working and school leaders cannot continue to take a chance that “this won’t happen in my school”…they need to do the right thing and implement tools to address the complex and escalating challenges of bullying and violence immediately and ongoing. It is critical for schools to make bullying unacceptable and encourage bystanders to become heroes.
www.awareity.com
Burning any part of someone in anyway is not "bullying" it is assault! This generation is getting so wimpy and seems to have a genetic predisposition to kneejerk a new law in response to any complaint of discomfort.
The mild bullying that just about all of us grew up with made us stronger and instilled perspective. Now adays people are crying and complaining that words, MERE WORDS are a form of bullying. If old King George recieved the Declaration of Independence in this era, the war would have been won overnight because he would have died from such a mortal wounding.
why would someone even set someone on fire? seriously?? and over some stupid ass money... what does the guy get out of this? jail that what. thank you dumbass for screwing up our generation ._.
Hi michael brewer
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