College Football Player Raising 5 Siblings After Mom Dies Of Breast Cancer

A Michigan State football player is raising his younger siblings after their mother died of breast cancer.

According to the Associated Press, Armorion Smith, a defensive back for Michigan State, has been balancing life on the field with the aftermath of the death of his mother, Gala Gilliam. Gilliam died of breast cancer at age 41 on August 8.

“I can feel her living through me,” Smith, 21, said of his mother. “Almost like I hear her voice telling me how proud she is of me.”

Gilliam's death came after she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in October 2022, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family. Smith, who grew up in Detroit, played football at the University of Cincinnati for two years before transferring to Michigan State in 2023 to be closer to his family amid his mother's cancer diagnosis.

Gilliam was survived by her Smith and her five other children, Armond, 16, Avaugn, 15, Arial, 11, Aleion, 19, and Amaira, 2, whom the football player is raising following her death. Earlier this month, Smith became the legal guardian of his four youngest siblings.

Smith said his 19-year-old sister Aleion helps take care of their siblings while he spends his days at Michigan State and playing for the Spartans.

“Me and my sister got to work together to keep this all afloat,” Smith said. “While I’m in college sports, she’s got to be able to take care of everything that I can’t do, like pick up where I left off, while I’m taking care of business.”

As of Wednesday (September 25), the GoFundMe in support of the family raised over $140,000. Smith said the financial support from the fundraiser and Michigan State's student assistance fund has helped cover the siblings' living expenses.

“It’s really a blessing,” Smith previously said. “I genuine[ly] appreciate the Spartan Nation and their help and their support.”

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