montel williams just revealing that he had a life-threatening stroke. morning workout and led to 21 days in intensive care. his difficult road to recovery and why he's opening up about his struggle now. he joins us live this morning. ♪ heart of a hero >>> and right here this morning we are revealing the nicest place in america. we teamed up with "readers digest" to pore through hundreds of entries from all across the u.s. now the big winner, the man behind a place of hope and family and paying it forward for so many. a surprise so big that his wife is helping us pull it off and he has no idea. ♪ >>> and he's the mascot who's won over america. gritty makes his big entrance at philly's home opener. it's the moment that will have you cracking up into thursday as we say, good morning, america. >> those mascots are something. >> they really are something. good morning, america. hope you're well this thursday morning. all of us thinking of all those affected by hurricane michael. >> yes, we are. these images coming in that show the destruction from the worst

. >> reporter: other public figures with ms include an romney, jack osbourne and montel williams. >> on the market at the present that alter the course of the illness. we have lots and lots of individuals who lead normal, productive lives. >> reporter: blair writes, i want to play with my son again. i want to walk down the street and ride my horse. i have ms and i am okay. blair has another movie called "my public life." >> it's great selma is continuing with her work as well. what are the symptoms people should be looking for, tara? >> there can be a lot of different symptoms related to fatigue, loss of vision, double vision, a sense of numbing or tingling in the face and legs. it can be very difficult to pick up the diagnosis because people can have different symptoms that can happen over years. >> thank you, dr. tara. >>> ahead we'll tell you about a treatment that can extend the life of women with aggressive forms of breast cancer. >>> and how a charter boat >>> good monday morning. we are starting up the day with areas of low clouds and fog. even some of our inland locations. ev