D’Marco and Michelle Gibbs: Weathering the storm, staying the course

The pursuit of a college degree is filled with challenges and unexpected events that require perseverance and courage from scholars and, in some cases, their parents as well. Foundation scholar D’Marco Gibbs and his mother Michelle have these qualities to spare after enduring what most would consider an overwhelming setback in spring of 2023, D’Marco’s sophomore year at Southeast Missouri State University. Second semester started strong for the psychology major who centers his career ambitions on caring for others. But a month into the semester, he developed symptoms related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19 virus) and was soon hospitalized with pneumonia. His health deteriorated rapidly, he lost command of his motor skills, and his doctors feared the worst. “It reached a point where the doctors said they’d done all they could do and could only hope for the best for my son, but I chose to remain faithful,” explained D’Marco’s mother, Michelle Gibbs.

D’Marco and Michelle Gibbs in 2023

Stretched between her responsibilities in St. Louis and her unending support for her child, Michelle travelled to Cape Girardeau from St. Louis frequently while maintaining full-time employment. She had seen him through difficult days as the one-pound newborn fought for life in the neonatal intensive care unit and she was by his side during his multiple childhood surgeries. It was nearly impossible to be in all the places where she was needed at the time, but she was determined to be by D’Marco’s side. “I needed to be there every step of the way. The burden on me was less important.”

D’Marco began to show steady signs of improvement. At first, his communications were limited to small hand and eye movements. Over time, D’Marco began to walk and speak again. As D’Marco’s health improved, his priority was to resume his classes for the semester through virtual learning platforms. In a late spring voicemail recording for Foundation awards manager Thurman Young, D’Marco said, “I’m doing a whole lot better, and I can’t wait to get back to school.” Southeast Missouri State University approved his return with special modifications for virtual learning options and, despite being hospitalized for most of the spring, D’Marco successfully completed his courses. Even with this major disruption, D’Marco is still on track to graduate in four years. He will do so in a financially sound position thanks to funding through the Bates Trust Scholarship and the Charles Gallagher Sr. Scholarship. Reflecting on the support they received from many Foundation staff throughout the ordeal, Michelle shared, “I have to thank the entire staff for what you have done. I love you all for helping us through this storm that, really, I have to call a tornado.”