A former track star turned doctor who has dedicated his life to helping disabled athletes after suffering a debilitating injury is awarded $ 1 million to help him with his mission. In 2013, Feranmi Okanlami suffered a major spinal cord injury and was told he would never walk or stand again. But he overcame the odds and the incident started him on a mission to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.
After his accident, Feranmi, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Indiana, went on to become a doctor and get a job at the University of Michigan as the director of Disability Services and Adaptive Sports where he made it his mission to inspire students through adaptive sports and fitness. He’s also become a fierce advocate for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Last week, "Good Morning America" had Dr. O on the show and surprised him with a gift of $1-million from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, to help him further his mission. Feranmi thanked the foundation for their support and said the gift was “beyond words.” He also spoke about how his disability has opened his eyes to how ableist the world is and says he’ll continue to work toward creating a world where disabled people are given the opportunity to show what they’re capable of.
Source: Good Morning America