Global support for baby's family after coffee attack
Messages of support from around the world have inspired the parents of a baby badly burnt by boiling coffee in a random attack.
But the nine-month-old's mother is still "very angry" that she may have to wait years for justice after the alleged attacker fled the country.
The mother said people from across the globe had been "sending their love" following the horrifying attack on her son in a Brisbane park on August 27.
She said it had lifted their spirits as their son undergoes more surgery, with weeks of treatment ahead before they know whether he will require skin grafts.
The boy has been visiting hospital every four days to receive fresh dressing for multiple serious burns and has already undergone five surgeries.
"I have had thousands upon thousands of messages from people all across the world getting into contact with me and sending their love, which I am really grateful for," the mother told KIIS 97.3 radio on Wednesday.
"(It) ... has made it a little bit easier ... knowing everyone is behind us. I am really grateful."
Police identified the alleged attacker days after the incident, only to discover he had left the country 12 hours earlier.
An international manhunt has been launched after an arrest warrant was issued for the 33-year-old foreign national.
"I think the whole of Australia, especially a lot of mums and people with children, are furious and angry and really want this guy caught," the mother said.
"I am very angry and saddened that this has happened ... and that we have to wait maybe years to get justice.
"My main focus is my son, but this guy does come into my thoughts all the time because I just get really, really angry that he could do such a thing to a defenceless baby."
The mother said it was some relief the attack suspect was out of the country after having nightmares about her family being hurt again.
But she wants him to return "for justice".
"I don't want him to just get away with this and to live a normal life wherever he is because we're going to be living in trauma for a number of years to come," she said.
The mother said her baby's face would heal but his neck and chest would require further treatment.
"There will be scarring," she said.
The baby's resilience has been another source of strength.
"He is amazing. He is so strong and brave. He is always smiling through it," the mother said.
"He has been our strength though it all. He keeps us going."
A GoFundMe account for the baby has raised almost $170,000 by Wednesday.
