Michigan State Football Player Armorion Smith on Raising Four Siblings After Losing Mom to Cancer
Michigan State defensive back Armorion Smith is stepping up to the task after becoming the legal guardian of his four youngest siblings. This significant responsibility came just last month, following the loss of their mother to cancer.
“My cards were given to me,” Smith told The Associated Press in an interview published on September 23. “I didn’t choose my deck of cards.”
Smith’s mother, Gala Gilliam, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in October 2022, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser. She underwent multiple major surgeries and experienced blood clots, infections, and a decline in the function of her liver. She sadly lost her battle with the disease in August.
A criminal justice major, Smith became the legal guardian for four siblings on Sept. 11. According to the fundraiser, the proceeds will help the 21-year-old athlete provide for his siblings while he continues to focus on his studies.
“Me and my family are very happy, very appreciative and grateful,” he told the outlet. “There’s a lot of love Spartan Nation has shown us these past few months. It’s been a rough time, but to be able to take some of the stress off of my shoulders and show me a lot of love is a blessing and has warmed my heart.”
Smith lives in a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with his five siblings. While he’s off being a student and athlete for about 12 hours most days, his 19-year-old sister, Aleion, steps up to take charge. He says he wants to help her figure out how to start taking classes next semester while still managing responsibilities at home.
