FERGUSON, Mo. – Heartache and hope are the two main feelings for a Ferguson police officer’s family this week.

36-year-old Travis “TJ” Brown remains in the ICU after he was assaulted by a protester in front of the Ferguson Police Department a week ago. His family spoke exclusively Friday about his recovery, along with a message for those who have stepped up to provide support.

“Right now, we’re just taking it day by day,” Brown’s sister, Christina Bailey, said. “I mean, it’s devastating. It’s devastating to everyone.”

Just two weeks ago, Brown was celebrating his father’s 70th birthday with a smile and positive energy. Now, he is in the hospital in a critical condition, but stable.

Bailey notes that there are small signs of progress after several surgeries and procedures, but the fight is a tough one, including for those closest to him.

“I haven’t had the heart to go in the room. Not yet,” Bailey said. “When he wakes up, I want to be there…when he wakes up.”

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Brown’s family has not seen the footage from the incident and is rather focusing on his recovery and healing. They hope the day he wakes up will come soon. Until then, they are holding onto memories from just a few weeks ago and giving thanks to those who have stood beside them.

“We want to make sure that when TJ comes out of this, he has no worries…but his recovery and his healing,” his sister said. “We know it’s going to be a long road ahead, and I want to thank everybody: the wives of the police officers, BackStoppers, The Ethical Society, the list goes on.”

When asked about anything she’d want say to her brother, Bailey had one message:

“It’s going to be OK. We’re going to get through this. You have an army behind you of friends, family, and the entire St. Louis community,” she said.

To donate to Officer Brown’s GoFundMe, click here .

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