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Submitted Photo Barrett McKim, 12, sustained burns to 50 percent of his body after an science experiment exploded, Thursday, June 23. His mother, Caroline McKim was also burned after trying to put out the flames.
A science experiment turned into a nightmare for 12-year-old Highlands local, Barrett McKim.
McKim, the second born of five children to Kyle and Caroline McKim, was in the family’s basement Thursday, June 23, when his experiment involving isopropyl alcohol ignited, causing over 50 percent of his body to be burned.
His mother, Caroline McKim, also sustained burns on both hands trying to remove the synthetic shirt her son was wearing.
Ultimately, Barrett McKim was flown by helicopter to the Augusta Burn Center, where both him and his mother would have to undergo surgery.
Through social media and on their GoFundMe site, which has already amassed more than $72,000, McKim’s family is posting updates for the community.
Starting June 29, Stephen Schlautman, McKim’s uncle, posted an update that McKim was able to extend his arms.
On June 30, the doctors decided McKim needed a feeding tube because he was not getting enough calories.
“He has terrible anxiety about it,” his uncle posted. “Please pray for peace and healing.”
Surgery was scheduled for McKim on July 1, to start a skin graft mostly on his arms and torso.
“Barrett is having mucus buildup in his lungs and we are praying for resolution,” Schlautman posted. “Barrett has also received splints under both arms to aid with stretching. Also, please pray for renewed strength for Barrett’s father Kyle. He has rarely left Barrett’s side since they arrived in Augusta and has been a wellspring of strength for his son and family.”
On July 2, Schlautman posted an urgent prayer request.
“Barrett has a spot on his neck that is bleeding,” he posted. “Doctors say that it is important that the bleeding stop. Thank you prayer warriors. Update: Doctor put coagulation bandage on Barrett’s neck, which should aid in controlling the bleeding. Staff is monitoring the blood level in the bandage. We are praying that it has stopped now.”
The next update on July 3, talked about the emotional battles McKim is undergoing.
“Barrett is not really wanting to move and do physical therapy because of the pain, trying to win the emotional battles,” Schlautman posted. “He asked to see a picture of himself today, he did not like it. Even though the face pieces are coming off, he doesn’t like the blood from his neck. Getting up to go to the bathroom takes aid from a nurse and Kyle 15 minutes, but it’s such an accomplishment. Please pray for movement and pain relief for his neck.”
On July 4, things started to get better for McKim.
“Pushing through the pain,” Schlautman posted. “Barrett got up and walked six times today. Please pray for strength and endurance. He is still determined but the battles are continuous and difficult. We are trying to focus on gratefulness and praising the Lord for what he is doing…but at times, the pain and discomfort makes it hard for barrett to focus or function. His grace is sufficient.”
McKim prepped for his fourth surgery on July 5.
“Barrett had a busy day,” Schlautman posted. “He did a lot of PT, which is very painful, but they want everything moving during the healing process. He received blood today in anticipation of his fourth surgery in the morning.”
With every update, a Bible verse is at the end. The family has posted at the bottom of the GoFundMe page asking for prayers for 100 percent regeneration of skin on McKim without need for grafting, relief from pain for both McKim and his mother, and the manifest glory to fall on all who care for McKim, including doctors, hospital staff, friends, family and prayer warriors.
The family attends Community Bible Church in Highlands and its youth group, Agape Youth has continuously posted updates about McKim, asking for continued prayers.
For those that would like to send McKim a card, the address is JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital ICU – Room 2, Barrett McKim, 3651 Wheeler Road, Augusta, Ga, 30909.
The GoFundMe page can be found under “Support for Barrett McKim.”
- By Christopher Lugo