Armorion Smith, a player for Michigan State has officially been granted legal guardianship over his siblings after the death of his mother.
In an interview, Smith spoke about the guardianship and said, “My cards were given to me. I didn’t choose my deck of cards.” Smith’s mother, Gala Gilliam, passed away after battling metastic breast cancer. According to reports, Gilliam had multiple surgeries, however, she experienced blood clots, infections and lost function in her liver. In August, she passed away.
On Sept 11, the criminal justice major became the legal guardians of his four sibling. A GoFundMe has been started with the intentions to help the family as he finishes his studies in school. “Me and my family are very happy, very appreciative, and grateful,” he said.
“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 is being helped by his 19-year-old sister, Aleion. They are currently living in a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house. Armorion Smith has plans on helping his sister figure out her classes next semester while figuring out the responsibilities for the rest of their siblings.