21-Year-Old Who Vowed to Take Care of Younger Siblings After Mom's Death Surprised with $40K and New Car: 'No Words'

Mar. 15, 2025

A 21-year-old college student who recentlybecame the legal guardian of his four minor siblingsafter 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 Americasurprisedthe Michigan State football player with a $40,000 check, a trip to Disneyland and a new car.

“This is a blessing,” remarked Armorion.

Armorion Smith.AP Photo/Al Goldis

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 aGoFundMe, 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.”

(L-R) Armorion Smith with siblings Arial, 11, Aleion, 19, Amaira, 2, Armond, 16, and Avaugn, 15, at home in Lansing, Mich.AP Photo/Paul Sancya

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

In an interview withGMAabout her older brother, Aleion said she “gained a lot of respect for him” after he stepped up for their younger siblings.

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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.”

Armorion Smith with some of his siblings.trmar_/Instagram

trmar_/Instagram

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.”

source: people.com