A new “challenge” online is starting to make the rounds and it’s already sent several kid to the hospital. Instead of the “Cinnamon Challenge,” kids now are posting videos of the “burn challenge” or “fire challenge.”
The challenge involves pouring alcohol or another flammable liquid on their body and then setting themselves on fire, all while someone is filming the entire thing. The videos of the challenge have gone viral on YouTube and other web video sites.
Eleven-year-old Derrick Robinson took part in the trend and it could have cost him his life. From his hospital bed Derrick said, “Do not do the burn challenge.”
His mom, Keyesta Porch, heard screams coming from her bathroom as Robinson tried the challenge with his older brother filming the incident. “Mom, I’m on fire!” Porch said her son screamed. She said when a towel was pulled off his body, “it was nothing but flesh.”
Robinson’s body is now covered in second and third degree burns after he tried the “fire challenge.”
Derrick’s family is from Clewiston, Florida, about two hours from the burn clinic at Kendall Regional Medical Center, the closest burn center to the family.
"We don't even have a car to keep coming here,” Porch said. “They told me when were discharged we'll have to keep coming back here every week.”
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Derrick and his mother said they decided to share their story so that no other family has to go through the horror they did.
"The only thing I can say is ‘I’m sorry,’” Porch said. “He keeps saying, ‘Mom, why are you sorry?’ I say I'm sorry because I wasn't there for you."
Derrick is part of a Pop Warner football team, but after the incident, his football career may be put on hold for a while. Doctors haven’t said when he might be able to take part in outdoor activities. He still has to return to the burn center to repeatedly have the wound dressed.
Still, Derrick knows he’s very lucky to have made it through the challenge with as few problems as he did.
"I like to thank the Lord for saving me and I want to thank y'all for praying for me," Derrick said.
