FERGUSON, Mo. — St. Louis-area restaurants are coming together Tuesday to raise money for Ferguson police Officer Travis "TJ" Brown.
Brown sustained a serious brain injury when he was knocked to the ground during an Aug. 9 protest.
As for his recovery, Brown's family said he still has a long way to go, but is making remarkable progress.
"He's not at the point where he can communicate but he's shown us responsiveness and we do believe he knows what's going on," his sister Christina Bailey said.
Brown said her brother cried when he saw his young daughters last week for the first time since he was injured.
"He's smiling. He's able to squeeze hands," she said, pointing to signs of progress. "There are moments when he's awake. They're doing little things to help him move his body, stand him up, sit him down upright."
In early October, Brown's family said doctors were gradually reducing sedation and Brown's pneumonia symptoms were subsiding.
On Sept. 25, his family announced on his GoFundMe page that he had successfully undergone an important procedure to help in his recovery.
A portion of the restaurants' proceeds from Tuesday's event will support Brown's recovery.
"He's still in the fight. ... He's still fighting. It's something to fight for," said Linda Graham of Syberg's, one of the restaurants taking part in the fundraiser.
Other restaurants like Cafe Telegraph will donate 30% of its sales. BobaQue and The Sushi House are offering 20%.
"Come on out. It's a good cause. Spread the love in different ways. Even if it's just eating here, that 10% goes a long way," Graham added.
The family said every little bit helps.
"We see the power in numbers of all the prayers so thank you so much," Bailey said.
Click here to stay up-to-date and see a full list of restaurants participating.
If you would like to donate to support Brown and his family, click the GoFundMe link here.
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