Michael Strahan, daughter Isabella, 19, diagnosed with brain cancer in 'GMA'

Entertainment

By Stephanie Webber

Michael Strahan's daughter Isabella is battling a malignant brain tumor called medulloblastoma. An MRI scan diagnosed in October 2023.

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous and fast-growing brain tumor that develops in the back of the brain, the cerebellum, where movement and coordination are controlled.

The father-daughter duo revealed the emotional news on Thursday's segment of “Good Morning America” ​​with Robin Roberts.

“Today my daughter @IsabellaStrahan joined @RobinRoberts and I on @GMA for an interview about her journey,” she wrote. Instagram. “I love you Isabella and I'm always by your side. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone sending love!!”

During the sit-down, the University of Southern California freshman said she felt dizzy and had “been quiet for two months, and it was hard.”

Isabella noted that she didn't want to “hide” her trip. He underwent brain surgery in late October, followed by rehabilitation and six weeks of radiation therapy. In February, she will begin chemotherapy at Duke University, where her twin sister Sophia is attending.

“I feel better, not worse. I'm really excited to finish this whole process, but you have to live the whole thing every day,” he explained.

The model, who recently launched a campaign with Sephora, is working with Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center to create a YouTube series documenting her experience.

“On my platform, I hope to be a voice and for people who are going through something like chemotherapy or radiation. Day,” she said. “I'm excited for that.”

Strahan wasn't sure at first if Isabella wanted to share her story.

“It's something very personal,” she told Roberts, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. “But her idea was, 'I want to share it, I want to help others,' and that goes into the spirit. That's who she's always been.

At one point when Isabella began to get emotional, her father said: “You are allowed to cry.”

“I know she's going through it, but I know we're never given more than we can handle,” he continued. “She's going to crush this.”

“I know it's hard, but you live Isabella,” he added. “We love you. We're here for you, you got this.

The former athlete watched a pre-recorded interview with Roberts and spoke more about the health scare in the ABC studios on Thursday.

“It's hard for me to even look at it. You hope your children don't go through any kind of pain,” she said. “We're there to make sure she has the love and support she needs. … I am grateful that you allowed me to share her story. … [Robin] I appreciate you making her feel comfortable.

The health news comes after Strahan has been mysteriously absent from “GMA” for three weeks. He returned on November 15, but did not explain his hiatus at the time.