Akron — It was simply part of their summer outdoor chores.
A father and son in New Franklin burning off some weeds when 12-year-old Mason Morris catches on fire.
His dad, Aaron, guessing gasoline got onto his clothing somehow.
"Before you knew it he was literally a ball of flames from head to toe. I just went into dad mode and did what I had to do. I immediately started tearing his clothes off of him. It was like a surreal scene out of a movie," said Morris.
80 percent of Mason's body was burned.
Half of that is 3rd degree burns.
Mason has been recovering in the burn unit at Akron Children's Hospital.
"It's hard to stand there and see your son wrapped 100 percent in gauze," said Morris.
Aaron has been in a room down the hall, recovering himself from severe burns, mostly to his hands and arms.
Mason has two skin graft surgeries behind him.
Still two months to heal at Akron Children's Hospital ahead of him.
In the meantime, something amazing is rising up that the Morris family never saw coming.
More than $25,000 already raised in a GoFundMe account.
"The largest donation was $2000. And you know who the donor was? Anonymous. It goes to show you there are good people who are still out there," said Morris.
Good people helping to pay the bills at home while this carpenter dad's hands heal. Aaron's full time job now is to be by Mason's side.
Many more have his back as well, standing "MASON STRONG" for this Manchester Middle Schooler who will be in 7th grade in the fall.
Game Day Sports is selling $10 T-shirts with the money going to the Morris family.
A dozen more businesses are rallying with raffles and more for Mason.
"It's going to be a long road for him," says Morris.
So for now, it's one day, one hour at a time.
"I kiss him 10 times a day and say I love you and he says I love you back and that's all I need," said Morris
Below you'll find a list of groups fundraising for the Morris family:
Dumas Meats
Firestone VFW Post 3383
Manchester Youth Wrestling
Manchester Take Down Club
New Franklin Fire Dept.
New Franklin Police FOP Lodge 202