'He actually smiled': Family celebrates birthday, milestones with injured Ferguson officer

ATLANTA - It was a special, heartwarming moment for the family of injured Ferguson Police Officer Travis “TJ” Brown.

They gathered around his hospital bed in Atlanta to wish him a happy 37^th birthday.

“He actually smiled, and we sang,” his sister, Ramona Gordon, told FOX 2.

To some, year 37 might not seem like a milestone. But it’s one of many signs of progress that is giving the Brown family reason to celebrate.

Brown was on duty the night of Aug. 9, the 10-year mark of Michael Brown’s death, when a protestor outside the Ferguson Police Department knocked him to the pavement, leaving him with a brain injury. He was in the ICU under sedation and largely unresponsive since that night.

Gordon said he is now more responsive—he can hold his own toothbrush and move his arms better, and is also able to move one of his legs.

Brown was moved to an Atlanta facility in November after spending three months in the ICU in St. Louis. Doctors and therapists have met with him daily.

“They are so welcoming—they know his story. They take really good care of Mom. She’s been there; she’s obviously not going to leave her baby. So they made her transition there very smooth; she is comfortable and can actually lay down and have a good rest," Gordon said. "I think just seeing her in the confidence in the progress that he’s made—and the care that he’s receiving—warms my heart. It makes me feel better.”

No prognosis has been given, but the family is thankful for the ongoing support and prayers. BackStoppers is providing support to Officer Brown’s family.

The family is also accepting donations through a GoFundMePage. To donate, click here.

A family member has also designed sweatshirts honoring Officer Brown. To purchase one, click here.

All proceeds will go toward the officer’s medical bills. 

Brown is one of six children and the father of two little girls. Prior to his work in Ferguson, he worked at the St. Louis County Police Department.