A 21-year-old college student who recently after their mom died just got surprised with some generous gifts.
Armorion Smith, of Detroit, became his siblings’ legal guardian on Wednesday, Sept. 11, about one month after mom Gala Gilliam died at 41 following a nearly two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Along with his 19-year-old sister Aleion, who takes charge while he's busy with school and sports, he is now caring for their three brothers — Armond, 16, Avaugn, 15, and Arial, 11 — and 2-year-old sister Amaira.
This week, Good Morning America the Michigan State football player with a $40,000 check, a trip to Disneyland and a new car.
“We want to celebrate the bond that you and your siblings have with each other,” host told Armorion, who was joined by younger brother Armond on the Wednesday, Nov 6 episode.
“This is a blessing,” remarked Armorion.
AP Photo/Al Goldis
Thankful for everything they received, the biggest surprise came when Strahan took them outside to reveal their new GMC Acadia.
Moments earlier, Armorion — who said the siblings have been relying on funds from a , which has raised over $300,000 so far — mentioned he'd been spending a lot of money on Uber rides and was looking for a way to cut back on the expense.
“This is crazy, man!” he said. “There’s not enough words in the world to explain. I don't know. I'm feeling loved. This is ridiculous.”
“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 replied. "We just wanted to help you guys as much as we can.”
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
In an interview with GMA about her older brother, Aleion said she “gained a lot of respect for him” after he stepped up for their younger siblings.
"He's a good man. And he's doing right by us," she said, adding that her brother “did something that none of our fathers could.”
Armorion, who told GMA that he promised his mother he'd take care of the family, went on to add that he's "just happy we're all together."
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Armorion previously told the AP that although his mother is no longer physically with them, he “can feel her living through me.”
He added, "I hear her voice telling me how proud she is of me.”