Michael Strahan says it's 'hard to relive' Isabella's cancer journey in emotional preview of documentary
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michael Strahan shared a deeply emotional moment on 'Good Morning America' as he discussed his daughter Isabella Strahan’s battle with brain cancer.
The trailer for 'Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight Against Cancer', an upcoming primetime special, debuted on Wednesday, January 29, left Strahan visibly moved.
See a first look at the trailer for “Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight Against Cancer.”
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 29, 2025
The powerful all-new special premieres Wednesday, February 5, at 10/9c on @ABCNetwork. And stream on @Hulu. pic.twitter.com/gm7JFcNfQc
Inside Isabella Strahan's cancer journey
Following the trailer’s premiere, co-host Robin Roberts, herself a breast cancer survivor, reached out supportively, squeezing Michael Strahan’s arm.
“That was a rough start. It got happier at the end for me, but it’s hard to relive it,” Strahan, 53, admitted.
The documentary follows Isabella’s difficult journey after being diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
On her 19th birthday, October 28, 2023, she underwent emergency surgery to remove a golf-ball-sized tumor at the base of her skull.
Reflecting on the moment of her diagnosis, Isabella tearfully says in the trailer, “You don’t really think the worst until you’re told the worst.”
After surgery, she endured six weeks of radiation, four rounds of chemotherapy, and three brain surgeries.
Throughout it all, she documented her health journey in a YouTube series.
In June, Isabella celebrated a major milestone by ringing the bell to signify the completion of her treatment, according to People.
Isabella Strahan's triumphant return to college
Now cancer-free, Isabella Strahan has returned to the University of Southern California, eager to resume her studies and move forward.
During the 'Good Morning America' segment, co-host Lara Spencer commended the Strahan family for sharing their story, to which Strahan redirected the credit to his daughter.
“She’s the one who’s been open. She’s been amazing, and I think it’s helped a lot of people,” Strahan remarked.
Turning to Roberts, he said, “As you said and always say, make a mess a message, and she’s done that. She’s a survivor and a thriver.”
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'Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight Against Cancer' is set to premiere on February 5 on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu.
Isabella Strahan's way of documenting her cancer journey
Isabella Strahan found a way to process her experience following cancer diagnosis and help others by documenting her journey through a series of YouTube vlogs.
Her candid vlogs resonated with fellow cancer survivors, particularly young adults facing similar struggles.
The proceeds from Isabella's channel were donated to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University where she received treatment.
Reflecting on her journey, Isabella previously 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 shared.
