Boy Undergoes 10 Surgeries After Severely Burning His Body in Failed Science Experiment

Boy Who Severely Burned His Body Failed science experiment Barrett McKim North Carolina Caroline McKim burn care center in Atlanta Bunsen burner and rubbing alcohol Kyle McKim skin graft Homeschooled Physical Therapy

By Lili Scott , Parent Herald Jul 31, 11:25 pm

Photo: (Photo : Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Following a failed science experiment at home, a 12-year-old boy, who suffered second and third-degree burns on 50 percent of his body, is on his way to recovery after ten surgeries.

Barrett McKim from North Carolina is still in treatment at an Atlanta specialized burn care center. He was rushed to this hospital five weeks ago after his mother, Caroline McKim, found him burning in their yard.

According to WLOS, Barrett could now get up from the bed, trying to walk and move again. His mother said that the 12-year-old is determined to "fight through the pain" and has been working on getting better during his physical therapy sessions.

His 10th surgery was on July 27, wherein doctors did a skin graft to take some skin at the back of his thighs for his back. His thigh's frontside, which had second-degree burns, is healing nicely.

"This is a very long road," Caroline said. "We're, hopefully, on the downward slope of being in the hospital."

What happened to Barrett McKim?

The boy, who is homeschooled, was experimenting with a Bunsen burner and rubbing alcohol when Caroline heard a pop. She rushed to her son, who also tried to run towards his mother with his whole body on fire.

Caroline also suffered burns on her arms when she helped extinguish the flames to save her son. The mom recalled that the fire would not go out even as Barrett was rolling on the floor in their kitchen. She was spraying him with water until 911 arrived with the ambulance.

They were airlifted to Atlanta on a 45-minute flight. It was devastating for the mom to see most of her son's skin gone. It hurt even more when Barrett asked his mother if he would die.

Barrett had to go through five surgeries immediately. Suffice it to say; that he is still fortunate to be alive.

Caroline said she was supposed to leave for a few minutes to pick up her daughter, who was babysitting. She can't imagine what would have happened to Barrett if she were not at home at that time, per WRDW.

Kyle McKim, Barrett's father, was told that his son would take at least 18 to 24 months to recover fully. During this recovery period, Barret needs to wear bandages and go to physical therapy.

When asked what he's looking forward to the most when he's out of the hospital, the 12-year-old said he wants to be with his brothers and sisters. He's also looking forward to returning to his archery practice.

Fundraiser for Barrett McKim's hospital expenses

The family has established a GoFundMe to help cover the cost of his hospitalization. Over 1,500 people have donated over $150,000 to support the child's recovery.

Caroline said that they had been overwhelmed with the generosity of strangers. They even received cards from people they didn't know, including Hawaii. Caroline is also undergoing physical therapy for her arm and has recently regained her grip and more movement.

The McKim family is grateful for the outpouring of support, and they continue to count the blessings and pray for Barrett's healing.