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Isabella Strahan is determined to make the most of life and thrive after surviving an aggressive form of brain cancer.
In January 2024, the daughter of Good Morning America co-anchor Michael Strahan went public with news that she had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
Michael, 53, said in the new issue of People that Isabella vowed to him at the time that she would "do whatever" to live. "She was going to fight — and she did," the former NFL star told the magazine in an interview published online Wednesday, January 22.
On her 19th birthday — October 28, 2023 — Isabella underwent surgery and doctors removed a 4-centimeter tumor growing in her cerebellum.
"She wasn't eating much," Michael recalled of his daughter's health struggles. "She was thin and tired and bald and all the things you hate to see your kid go through."
Isabella, now 20, was declared cancer-free in July 2024 after she underwent a grueling treatment regimen involving radiation, chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.
"Obviously you can't predict what can happen, and that is a little scary," she told People. "But I don't think you can solely live in fear. I think I should live every day. Take every opportunity."
The communications major has returned to the University of Southern California, where she had just started classes for the 2023 fall semester when she exhibited symptoms of cancer that included headaches, nausea and dizziness.
"Her doctors feel very confident, she's going to be fine," Michael said of his daughter, who must continue to regularly be checked to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. "That's what we're going to hold on to, but you're nervous every time. That will never go away but as long as the results come back positive, then we'll live to fight another day."
During her fight against medulloblastoma, Isabella chronicled her experiences on YouTube. A television special, Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan's Fight Against Cancer, will air on ABC on Wednesday, February 5, at 10 p.m. as well as on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.
"I see the impact that can come from sharing my experience," Isabella said. "My diagnosis, it's a part of me, but it doesn't define me. I want to be a voice."
In addition to Isabella and her twin sister, Sophia, with his ex-wife, Jean Muggli, Michael is father to Tanita, 33, and Michael Jr., 31, with his first spouse, Wanda Hutchins.
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