In an emotional interview on “Good Morning America,” Michael Strahan and his daughter Isabella shared the heartbreaking news that she has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Isabella, 19, revealed that she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in October 2023, after experiencing headaches at the beginning of her freshman year of college.
Isabella described noticing symptoms like headaches, nausea, and difficulty walking, leading to a moment of concern when she woke up throwing up blood. After undergoing tests, including an MRI, she was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she learned about the fast-growing, four-centimeter tumor.
Michael Strahan, the former NFL player, shared that he received the traumatic news before Isabella, expressing the difficulty in processing the situation and trying to get to Los Angeles as quickly as possible. Strahan had been absent from “GMA” for over three weeks in late October, citing personal family matters but not disclosing details.
Medulloblastoma is a rare type of malignant tumor, particularly uncommon in someone Isabella’s age. Isabella underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumor, followed by relearning how to walk with assistance from her twin sister, Sophia. She also underwent radiation therapy and rehabilitation.
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Isabella, having completed proton radiation therapy, expressed excitement about ringing the bell marking the end of her treatment. Despite lingering side effects, she is “feeling good” and is eager to resume her everyday life. Isabella will now move back to the East Coast for chemotherapy at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, NC.
Both Isabella and Michael Strahan acknowledged how the experience has changed their perspectives. Strahan emphasized that being an athlete or a tough guy doesn’t matter in such situations. Isabella expressed gratitude and readiness for the next step in her treatment. Michael Strahan has two other children, Tanita and Michael Jr., from previous marriages.
