CNN 'Hero of the Year' Says God Called Him to Serve People with Disabilities

CNN announced their "Hero of the Year" at their 10th annual awards ceremony on December 11, a man who said he was called by God to help others with disabilities.

Jeisonn Aristizábal, 33, was born with cerebral palsy in a poor neighborhood of Colombia, and was told by doctors that he would not be able to make much of his life.

"When I was a young boy, a doctor told my mom that I would amount to nothing," he said.

Aristizábal now says that it was God who called him so that he could work for people who had disabilities.

"Today I realize God chose me to help children with disabilities and their families and build a chain of dreams. I am about to graduate as a lawyer, and I want to do more to change my country's laws," he said at his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony.

People on several social media platforms voted for the "Hero of the Year" between October 26 and December 6. Aristizábal won $100,000, while all the top ten CNN Heroes received $10,000.

He said via a translator: "I can't believe it. Hello to Colombia, hello to all the families who have a child with a disability. I want to tell you that yes you can. You can dream and you can achieve your dreams... God bless you and there's more work to do."

Aristizábal has been serving those with disabilities for the last 15 years, and started his foundation from his parents' garage and has helped hundreds of young people with disabilities in Colombia to access wheelchairs and assistive equipment, apart from other educational and medical resources.

He urged the audience to do everything they can at their own level, wherever they are in the world.

"Open your hearts and join this beautiful work, too. There are many children hoping for your support."

"Sometimes when we see a big problem, we feel like we can't do something," he said. "But starting with the little things, helping fix the little things, we can transform many lives."