Armorion Smith was utterly surprised at the life-changing gift he received on Wednesday. After losing his mother to breast cancer less than three months ago, the 21-year-old Michigan State University football player and criminal justice major assumed the role of legal guardian for four of his siblings.
In a heartwarming moment, “Good Morning America” presented Smith and his younger brothers with a $40,000 check from Cash App, a vacation to Disneyland Resort, which included Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and a new GMC Acadia from Detroit GMC Dealerships.
The “GMA” co-anchor Michael Strahan escorted the young guardian outside to view the car, shocking him after he had visited the “GMA” set with his brother Armond.
He exclaimed, “Thank you so much! A brand new car, what?” and he and Strahan embraced. “There’s no words in the world to explain. I don’t know. I’m feeling loved. This is ridiculous. Thank you so much. This is a blessing. I wonder what my mom would be doing.”
Smith became the legal guardian of four of his youngest siblings, Armond, 16, Avaugn, 15, Arial, 11, and Amaira, 3, making good on his promise to his mother Gala before she passed away.
His 19-year-old sister Aleion Smith assists at home amid Smith’s 12-hour days on campus, and the family depends on an online campaign to cover expenses and move around without a car.
He said, “If I don’t step up, who could they turn to? I’m just happy we’re all together. That’s just the biggest thing. I’m gonna be their protector.”
Aleion, his sister, said, “He’s a good man,” as the younger Smith siblings attested to their older brother’s love for them. “And he’s doing right by us. And I’ve gained a lot of respect for him, ’cause he stepped up and did something that none of our fathers could.”
Armond also revealed, “No matter what I do, he always trying to make sure I’m going in the right direction always.”
Avaugn, 15, and Arial, 11, both said that their elder brother has given them advice not only in the classroom but also on the football field.
Meanwhile, Armorion Smith noted that his mother’s voice continues to inspire him to this day.
He said, “She’s still here in spirit. All the blessings we’ve been havin’, it’s like all the stuff she ever wanted. She just working miracles.”
