Isabella Strahan, the 19-year-old daughter of NFL legend and “Good Morning America” host Michael Strahan, shared on Thursday her courageous battle against brain cancer.
A Father-Daughter Conversation on “Good Morning America”
Appearing alongside her father in an interview with “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts, Isabella opened up about her struggle with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor.
Early Signs and Alarming Developments
Isabella revealed that headaches began during her freshman year of college, initially dismissed as vertigo. However, in late October 2023, the symptoms took a serious turn, leading to a worrisome situation.
A Disturbing Wake-Up Call
“I woke up probably at like 1 p.m.,” Isabella shared. “I dreaded waking up. But I was throwing up blood. And my sister – I was like, ‘This probably isn’t good.’ So I texted her, who then notified the whole family.”
Emergency Surgery and Rehabilitation
Seeking medical attention, Isabella’s family discovered a rapidly growing golf ball-sized tumor at the back of her brain. On October 27, the day before her 19th birthday, she underwent emergency surgery, followed by a month of rehabilitation and rounds of radiation.
Triumph Over Radiation Therapy
“I just finished radiation therapy…I got to ring the bell yesterday,” Isabella shared. “It was great. It was very exciting because it’s been a long 30 sessions. Six weeks.”
The Next Chapter – Chemotherapy and a YouTube Series
Youtube link: Isabela Strahan
Next month, Isabella will undergo chemotherapy at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina. She plans to document her journey in a new YouTube series, with the proceedings directed towards the hospital.
Michael Strahan's Gratitude and Confidence
Reflecting on his 15 seasons with the New York Giants, Michael Strahan expressed gratitude, considering himself the “luckiest man in the world” to have such an “amazing” daughter.
Understanding Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma is a rare brain tumor originating in the lower back part of the brain, as explained by the Mayo Clinic. Despite its rarity, it is the most prevalent cancerous brain tumor in children. Treatment typically involves surgery, followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both.