Michael Strahan opens up on daughter Isabella’s brain cancer battle and her words he’ll never forget

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michael Strahan shared an update about his daughter Isabella Strahan's battle with brain cancer.

The television host revealed that his 20-year-old daughter is now cancer-free, according to People.

Inside Isabella Strahan's brain cancer diagnosis

In September 2023, Isabella Strahan was just beginning her freshman year at the University of Southern California when troubling symptoms emerged.

Persistent nausea, dizziness, and debilitating headaches made it hard for her to keep up with her classes.

Alarmed, she confided in her twin sister, Sophia, who was attending Duke University as a freshman.

“She called and said she was throwing up blood,” recalls Sophia, who immediately urged Isabella to go to the ER.

Their parents, Michael Strahan and his former wife Jean Muggli, rushed to her side.

The diagnosis was devastating, a fast-growing tumor in Isabella’s cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination.

On October 28, 2023, her 19th birthday, Isabella underwent an emergency surgery to remove the four-centimeter tumor.

Dr David Ashley, a neuro-oncologist at Duke Children’s Hospital, described the tumor as being “between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball.”

The diagnosis given was medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Over the next eight months, Isabella endured a grueling regimen of radiation, chemotherapy, and multiple follow-up surgeries.

Michael Strahan reflects on his daughter Isabella's Strahan's determination

One particularly difficult moment came when Isabella developed an infection at the surgical site, requiring additional operations to clean the area and replace part of her skull with a titanium mesh plate.

“That was the first time I saw her cry,” Michael recalled.

“Her spirit was there,” he said, adding, “She wasn’t going to quit, and she didn’t.”

One of the hardest moments for Michael came when Isabella said, “Dad, I’ll do whatever. I want to live.”

Jean Muggli, Isabella’s mother, spent countless nights sleeping in the hospital while Sophia pushed Isabella’s wheelchair and encouraged her to keep moving forward.

“Isabella’s strength and resilience were amazing. She handled every day with grace," said Jean.

Isabella Strahan's way of sharing her journey

Isabella Strahan found a unique way to process her experience and help others by documenting her journey through a series of YouTube vlogs.

Her candid videos resonated with fellow cancer survivors, particularly young adults facing similar struggles.

The proceeds from her channel were donated to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University where she received treatment.

“She wanted to be a voice for others going through this. Her story is about resilience, hope, and finding purpose even in the darkest times," said Michael.

Isabella Strahan's triumphant return

Now 20 and cancer-free, Isabella Strahan has returned to USC where she is majoring in communications.

While her journey is far from over, she will continue to have regular scans for the next several years and her doctors are optimistic about her future.

“Her doctors feel very confident that she’s going to be fine. That’s what we’re holding on to," said Michael.

Reflecting on her experience, Isabella said, “You can’t predict what will happen, and that’s a little scary. But I don’t think you can solely live in fear."

"I think I should live every day. Take every opportunity," she added.