In an emotional moment on “Good Morning America,” 21-year-old Armorion Smith, a college football player and newly appointed caregiver to his four younger siblings, received a life-changing surprise: $40,000, a family vacation to Disneyland Resort, and a brand-new GMC Acadia.
Armorion lost his mother, Gala Gilliam, to breast cancer earlier this year. After her passing, Armorion, a criminal justice major at Michigan State University and backup free safety on the Spartans football team, became the legal guardian of his three brothers — Armond, 16; Avaugn, 15; and Arial, 11 — and his 2-year-old sister Amaira. His 19-year-old sister, Aleion, also helps care for the younger siblings. Since becoming guardians, the siblings have relied on a GoFundMe account, which has raised over $300,000 to help them manage expenses, but Armorion expressed the challenges of covering additional costs, like Uber rides, to get around.
The Surprise
The surprise gifts from “Good Morning America” came during the Nov. 6 broadcast. GMA co-anchor Michael Strahan surprised Armorion and his younger brother, Armond, with the news. After announcing the $40,000 from CashApp and a Disneyland trip, Strahan led the brothers outside to reveal the grand finale — a new GMC Acadia, donated by Detroit GMC Dealers, ABC News reports
“Thank you so much! A brand-new car, what?” Armorion exclaimed, embracing Strahan in disbelief. Overwhelmed by the generosity, he added, “There’s no words in the world to explain. I don’t know. I’m feeling loved. This is ridiculous,” Smith said. “Thank you so much. This is a blessing. I wonder what my mom would be doing.”
Armorion shared with GMA, “My mom was very strong, very hardworking. She stood on morals, principles, and she was my protector. She was an amazing woman.”
“We see the love you show to your siblings and to everybody every day. So you’re an inspiration to us, all of you,” Strahan said. “We just wanted to help you guys as much as we can.”
