LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A woman was arrested on suspicion of child abuse involving a 2-year-old who was seriously injured in September, Lakewood Police said.

McKinley Slone Hernandez, 25, was taken into custody on suspicion of child abuse - cruelty toward a child on Thursday after a warrant was issued for her arrest on Wednesday.

Loading ...

Hernandez, who is being held on a $100,000 cash bond, is not related to the child, police said.

“You never would think it would happen to you, especially by someone who you consider a friend," said the boy's mother, Stefanie Reichert. 

Reichert said her son, Giovanni, had to have part of his skull removed because of bleeding on the brain. Giovanni's family has spent weeks in the hospital and are now back at Children's Hospital for another surgery. 

Reichert said she worries about the lifelong impact of injuries on her son as they anticipate a long road to recovery.

"He doesn't like strangers, she said. "Now he doesn't like the nurses and the doctors. He doesn't let anybody touch him. We have to do everything for them in there."

The family started a GoFundMe to raise funds that will go towards the child's treatment.

More 9NEWS coverage of Lakewood:

> Watch 9NEWS original shows, live Colorado news and weather updates, daily forecasts, and sports coverage for free on the 9NEWS+ app on Roku and Fire TV.

SUGGESTED VIDEOSLatest from 9NEWS

Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV.      

9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.      

To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.       

To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.     

Loading ...

RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV 

> The 9Wants to Know investigative team is covering this story. If you have a tip about this story or any other story email blowthewhistle@9news.com