GMA Visits Ann Arbor to Surprise Hero Doctor Helping People With Disabilities

Dr. Feranmi Okanlami is considered a hero among individuals with disabilities at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. ABC's 'Good Morning America' surprised the good doctor, awarding him $1 million in order to continue helping those who live with disabilities on a daily basis.

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Okanlami is the Director of Disability Services and Adaptive Sports at the U of M campus in Ann Arbor. Once an All-American track star, Okanlami suffered from a spinal injury nearly 10 years ago and has since dedicated his life to helping others.

Okanlami's motto: "Disability is not inability."

Mom Joined the Celebration in Ann Arbor

The doc's mom accompanied Good Morning America's Robin Roberts this morning (10/20) as the show surprised him with an award from the Craig H. Nelsen Foundation, which is committed to helping those who live with spinal cord injuries.

"Feranmi has always been a child that made us proud," Okanlami's mother Bunmi told "Good Morning America. "His cervical injury was high enough that most people who have that are not expected to ever be able to walk or stand."

His mom went on to explain that Okanlami has always pushed on and in many has cases has beaten the odds.

A $1 Million Surprise

In the first video below, you'll see Robin Roberts speak with Dr. Okanlami's mother and son before the big surprise.

In the second video, you'll see Roberts reveal a $100,000 gift to Okanlami's program, helping athletes with disabilities. Later, Roberts reveals that there's an extra zero on the award, making the grant a full $1 million.

"It is beyond words," Okanlami says, as he soaks in the magnitude of the grant.