GIBBON, Neb. - The Gibbon community is coming together to honor the life of Braxton Schoff, who recently passed away after battling leukemia.

Braxton's story of strength and determination has inspired students, teachers, and residents alike.

Despite his health challenges, Braxton remained committed to school activities, often showing up at football games and continuing to set new goals for himself.

"He wanted to be at school, he didn't want to be at home and of course, he didn't want to be in the hospital. He could be feeling super yucky and he still wanted to be here. He was definitely determined- He wanted to get his learner's permit and he was going to do it no matter what, he was going to get that done. He was just an amazing young man," said Gibbon school counselor Keri Waddle. 

The Gibbon Public School District is organizing several fundraising opportunities  in order to help with medical and funeral costs for the family.

This includes a Coins for Braxton campaign where students can bring in change to contribute towards the cause, and teachers will have an upcoming jeans week for staff to donate $5 a day in order to dress down.

"Everybody just saw him as this strong young man, and the fighting came through when he wanted to be at school and everybody could see that he was not feeling well. He wanted to be at the football game when they needed to be leaving to Omaha, he wanted to be here. And so we did everything that we could to make sure that he felt safe and that he could take the breaks that he needed and just showed the kids that he had a lot of strength," added Waddle.

And for those wanting to contribute, donations can be made to a special account at Exchange Bank in Gibbon, via Venmo or directly through the school. Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family during this difficult time.

Braxton's memory of resilience will forever live on (2:01) in Gibbon and the surrounding communities.