Michael Strahan Thought Daughter Isabella Would Die After Brain Cancer Diagnosis: ‘Tough and Painful' as a Parent

• Isabella Strahan shared an update on how she’s doing since her brain tumor treatment ended
• Michael Strahan admitted it was painful to watch his daughter get cancer and praised her positive thinking
• They said their journey as a family sparked their charity work to help others deal with similar health challenges

Isabella Strahan has “grown in so many ways” battling brain cancer over the past year.

In a candid cover story for City and countryThe 20-year-old and her father Michael Strahan opened up about her difficult health journey after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2023.

For Michael, 52, the past year has been “much scarier” than he imagined and he often prayed for things to go back to normal as he watched his daughter undergo three brain surgeries and numerous rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.

“There were times when we said, ‘We know it’s painful and difficult, but it’s temporary.’ “Last year is one that we hope to forget, but at the same time, it showed us a lot of important things about who she is and who we are and how we show each other as a family,” he told the news outlet. .

The Good morning America The co-host admitted that he was initially worried his daughter was going to die after hearing the word cancer from her doctors.

“You have to control your thoughts because your brain thinks about the worst possible scenario and then you go back from there,” he explained. “I don’t think I’ll get through the rest of my life without worrying about this in any form.”

Isabella Strahan celebrates her 20th birthday at Disney, looking back on one year since her brain tumor diagnosis

Michael and Isabella Strahan.

Gillian Laub

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Meanwhile, Isabella kept a positive attitude from the start. There were times when depression would creep in, she said, but “what are you going to do? It won’t help in any way. You just have to get through it.”

“I feel like I’ve grown in a lot of ways,” Isabella said. “I’m super grateful to be walking and talking again. You don’t think about the things you can do until you live without them.”

“It was definitely hard and painful to watch,” Michael added. “It was like, ‘How soon is he going to come back?’ It was painful for her to get out of bed and do the things she needed to do. As a parent, it was upsetting at times. But throughout this journey, Isabella inspired us all with the way she approached it what she’s been dealing with. She’s worked so hard and with such incredible spirit. And she’s still on the road with her vision, her balance, and her weight back.”

Since finishing her treatment, Isabella has had health problems. However, the model is cancer free and said it is reassuring that her doctors do not think her disease will return.

Isabella said she is now moving forward with the mindset that tomorrow is not promised.

“I’m happy to be here,” she told the newspaper. “I think this year has made me stronger. The people in your life are what make it enjoyable. Now I don’t say no to anything anymore. I don’t think so, I’ll do it next week. You don’t know what next week is going to look like.”

Michael Strahan’s Daughter Isabella, 19, Reveals She’s Cancer Free: ‘Goodbye Hospital’

Michael and Isabella Strahan Town and Country Cover for November 2024.

Gillian Laub

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Looking back on their journey as a family, Isabella and Michael said the experience inspired their charity work. They emphasized the importance of using the platform they have to not only support others, but also to raise money for St. Mary’s Children’s Research Hospital. Jude, as well as for Duke Children’s Hospital and the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, where Isabella was treated.

“Most people don’t understand what families go through,” Isabella said. “It is also important to thank the staff who helped me, because they saved my life. All the doctors and nurses were amazing.”

“We’re not the first family to go through this and unfortunately we won’t be the last, but if we can help at all, hopefully at some point it will be the last,” added Michael. “I want to do as much as I can to help all these families who aren’t as fortunate as we are in certain ways to get through this.”

Feeling proud of how far she’s come, Isabella offered advice to anyone going through a similar health battle.

“Stay in the present. Appreciate where you are even if you are in great pain”, she stressed. “Don’t think about the future. Appreciate everything around you. Tell them you love them.”

“From a parent’s point of view, take a positive attitude that your child can take. Support your child,” added Michael. “Don’t be afraid to cry, don’t be afraid to be emotional and vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ Don’t be afraid to say something you’ve always wanted to say.”

“Yeah, don’t be afraid to say something, because you might never get the chance to say it again,” Isabella said forcefully. “And what’s the point of not saying that? Life is too short.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education