On May 7, 2025, Mrs. Gibson was diagnosed with colon cancer. A few weeks later, she created an Instagram account: @WatchLaurenBeatCancer. The account became a way for her to publicly document all parts of her fight against cancer. In a world where social media often showcases the best parts of life, Mrs. Gibson has chosen to let her page be a place of unedited reality. She shares everything from her small victories, her “mom-guilt” at missing out on parts of her young daughters’ lives, her reactions to infusions, to the side effects of chemotherapy.
Her Instagram page has also been a platform where family, students, and staff can show their support for her and her journey, but the Ramapo Indian Hills Community has been trying to go the extra mile. On Friday, March 27, the district-wide faculty banded together as “Lauren’s Support Squad,” wearing matching, fundraised T-shirts and dedicated themselves to supporting Mrs. Gibson. “When she found out that she was diagnosed with colon cancer, everyone wanted to support her in any way possible,” Principal Dargento expressed. “Although there’s only so much we can do while she’s being treated, we can make sure that she knows that she’s still part of our faculty.” The district also held a faculty-only event where Mr. Walty and Mr. Zmigrodski’s band performed. Together, the RIH faculty reinforced the uplifting message to Mrs. Gibson that she is loved and cared for by her community.
Within Ramapo, students and staff have continued to demonstrate support. Ramapo’s literary magazine Serendipity, run by Mrs. Gibson but now by Mr. Quirk, held a bake sale alongside Mad4Kids on Monday, April 6. They made $280, which will be put towards a prepaid grocery store card. “The expenses of treating cancer are great, and we thought this could alleviate some stress by helping her family via meals,” Mr. Quirk commented. In addition, the boys lacrosse team held a fundraiser for Mrs. Gibson on Tuesday, April 28 by dedicating a game against Northern Highlands to her. They raised $2,000, all of which is going directly to Mrs. Gibson. If anyone is interested in donating but was unable to make it to the game, the main office and Venmo code to the [whichever direction the layout puts the photo in] are accepting donations. “Families always take care of each other – and the Ramapo community is our family,” Coach Harvey stated. “I am proud that our players and families stepped up to help a member of our Ramapo family in their time of need. Mrs. Gibson has always brought positivity and joy to Ramapo, and we wanted to reciprocate that positive energy and joy.”
Mrs. Gibson is incredibly valued in the Ramapo community. As the head of the art department, she plays an integral role in the lives of her students and fellow staff members. “Mrs. Gibson has always been a natural leader. She built up a solid department grounded in respect and creativity, painted items for sports teams, started the Irish Culture Club, promoted arts programs and classes, and was always thinking about how she could promote our student’s artworks,” Mr. Quirk reflects. As a teacher, Mrs. Gibson is always dedicated to her students and their success. “Mrs. Gibson is one of the best art teachers I’ve ever had; she is always willing to help students. Not only is she a great art teacher, but she’s also a great person who is always kind to every student,” junior Kathrin Seyffer remarked. Just as Mrs. Gibson is always looking out for her community, Ramapo is rooting for Mrs. Gibson in her courageous fight against cancer and is eager for her recovery and return. “And it truly is a fight,” Principal Dargento added. “When someone you love and care about is battling cancer, you absolutely don’t forget.”
Until then, students and staff will continue supporting her through fundraisers and social media. Together, Ramapo is not just watching Mrs. Gibson beat cancer; we are encouraging and backing her every step of the way.
