Many people have asked how they can support Braxton.

On Saturday, August 1, Braxton experienced something no young person should ever have to experience. You may have seen the video or posts about the Twin Falls, Idaho In and Out shooting. Braxton found himself coming face to face with the shooter. Braxton bravely pleaded with him and even made it possible for others who were approaching to run the other way, and in a moment, the gun was pointed and shot towards him, miraculously missing him.

We can all only imagine how terrifying and traumatizing this experience was.

Those who love and are closest to Braxton are incredibly grateful that he is still here. We know just how differently that day could have ended, and I don’t think any of us will ever take that for granted.

But walking away physically unharmed doesn’t mean you simply walk away from something like this.

Braxton experienced something terrifying and traumatic, and now he and his family are faced with everything that comes afterward—processing what happened, finding a sense of safety again, and figuring out how to move forward after a day that changed so much in such a short amount of time.

Before this happened, Braxton was doing what so many young adults are doing—working, going to school, and building a future for himself. He will be a senior in High School this year and has worked towards graduation and even taking college classes along the way. One of the biggest hopes his family has right now is that what happened that day does not take those opportunities away from him.

I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of Braxton and his family because right now, I believe the people who love them should be able to focus on one thing: helping Braxton heal.

The funds raised here will help give Braxton and his family some breathing room as they navigate the weeks and months ahead. Donations may be used toward counseling and other support, time away from work or school when needed, and the unexpected expenses that can come with recovering from an experience like this.

There is absolutely no expectation to donate. If you aren’t able to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser, sending Braxton a message of encouragement, or simply keeping him and his family in your thoughts is meaningful too.

His mom shared something with me that really puts all of this into perspective: above everything else, she is grateful that she still gets to hug her son, hear his voice, and have him here.

Right now, they are taking things one day at a time.

My hope in creating this is simply that we can surround Braxton with enough love and support that he can focus on healing—not on the financial burden that may come with it—and eventually get back to building the future he was working toward before that day.

Thank you for supporting Braxton and standing beside this family during an incredibly difficult time.