TOMAH, Wis (WXOW) – Seriously injured in a car crash last Friday, Payton Pierce faces a difficult road to recovery. His parents Sarah and Mark Pierce have been with him ever since at the American Family Children’s Hospital in UW Health.

The community surrounding the Tomah area has come together to support Payton and his family during this difficult time.

During the Tomah High School Varsity vs. Adams-Friendship baseball game on Thursday night, the community expressed their love and support by wearing purple shirts for Payton. Tomah’s boys wore “Playing for Payton” t-shirts during the game.

In a game-ending storybook, Payton’s brother Braeden scored the winning run at the bottom of the 7th inning to break a 2-2 tie after starting pitcher Caden Harmel’s single started.

“This game means a lot. To my sister and to all these people here, it means a lot to me and my family. We really appreciate it,” said Braeden Pierce. “It’s crazy how many people are getting together, even the other town in purple, it’s great.”

After the game, Payton supporters joined Tomah Boy’s team on the pitch for a group photo. After a few photos, the whole group turned to face the camera live streaming the event on Facebook. The Pierce family in Payton’s hospital room were able to see the entire purple-clad collective wave from the field.

In a post-game interview, Todd Pierce, Payton’s uncle shared some news.

“We were able to do a face-to-face video with Payton who was awake, eyes open and smiling, which was a huge uplifting moment for all of us here,” said Todd Pierce. “It was really cool to see.”

The rally for Payton continues with several fundraisers planned to help the Pierce family. More than 3,000 windmills were made on Friday for people to donate and show their support for Payton.

For Tomah, the people who shoot, pray and show windmills for Payton, that’s exactly what the community is doing for one of their own.