Funds Raised For Boy Burned In 'Hurtful Act' At Sleepover

ROUND LAKE PARK, IL — An online fundraiser has brought in more than $4,300 for the family of a 13-year-old boy who was hospitalized after friends started his foot on fire at a sleepover earlier this month. Family members believe the "friends" were imitating a prank they found on YouTube when they poured nail polish remover over Gio Palacios' foot and lit it on fire while he slept.

• Teens Light Friend's Foot On Fire While Imitating YouTube Video

The boy, a baseball and basketball player, suffered third-degree burns and had to undergo surgery, NBC Chicago reported.

"Kids can be so cruel and may not think ahead of the consequences," wrote Gio's cousin Leiah Zulayk, saying the "hurtful act" involved "kids whom he believed were his 'friends.'"

Zulayka set up the GoFundMe for Gio and his family, which has brought in $4,336 as of Friday morning. The money will be used to help the family with legal expenses as well as cover other costs for Gio's recovery and counseling, according to Zulayka.

Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the incident to determine if criminal charges are warranted. George Filenkos, the Round Lake Police Department police chief, told Patch earlier this week he could not comment on the case or any potential charges since the situation involves minors.

Those interested in donating to Gio and his family can do so on the GoFundMe page.