Students and co-workers raise over $30k for dining hall staff with ovarian cancer

A Drake University staff diagnosed with ovarian cancer received tremendous support from students as well as her co-workers after they raised more than $30,000 for her in a GoFundMe that was set up to “help ease the burden” of the “medical bills from her treatments.”

According to The Times Delphic, Maggie Bair, a student at the university, set up the fundraiser for Marietta Jackson after having a discussion with workers at Hubbell Dining Hall. 

The student said the kind endeavor for the beloved woman was collaborative. The GoFundMe account stated that Jackson has worked as a Hubble Dining Hall cashier at Drake University for 15 years. She is also a known figure in the Drake community.

“Last week I had several conversations with my friend, Antonio, as well as another Hubbell dining hall worker, David Dodge, about what we could do to help Marietta. A lot of people love her and we felt like something had to be done,” Blair said. “So, David brought up the idea of a GoFundMe, and I jumped on it and started one.”

Jackson’s co-worker also explained he wanted to support Jackson because she is a nice person who shouldn’t have to endure a sickness of such nature. “I am so grateful for all of the support, the prayers, and the love,” Jackson said. “Because I have [the support] from my coworkers, I have it from every one of the Drake students, all of the staff, everywhere. It’s love all around.”

Another co-worker, Alice Grayson, also described Jackson as an “awesome” person who is “just all over the place.” “She does a whole lot here,” Grayson said. “And when she’s on break, she’s still working.”

The GoFundMe also stated that Jackson has “touched the lives of so many throughout the years here at Drake, with her kindness and love for others.” “Marietta manages to know nearly everyone by name and to make everyone feel special,” the fundraiser added. “She has been a constant fixture of kindness and positivity during her time here at Drake.”

Jackson said she was amazed by the outpouring of support. “These kids are amazing. They really are. They pay me to come here and do exactly what it is I enjoy doing…I enjoy each and every single one of these kids; they put a smile on my face,” Jackson said.

“I absolutely love my coworkers as well; they are amazing. There’s been some days when I have not been feeling well and my coworkers are always trying to make me eat. When you work with people like this, it feels like you are in a great big happy family.”