Michael Strahan and his 19-year-old daughter, Isabella, courageously disclosed her medulloblastoma diagnosis on “Good Morning America.”

Isabella Strahan, the 19-year-old daughter of NFL legend and “Good Morning America” host Michael Strahan, has disclosed her battle with brain cancer. Our thoughts are with her and her family during this challenging time.

Isabella Strahan discussed her battle with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer, alongside her father on “Good Morning America” with co-host Robin Roberts. She began experiencing headaches when she started college last fall, initially attributing them to vertigo. Unfortunately, her symptoms took a more serious turn in late October 2023.

Isabella Strahan began facing health issues during her first year at the University of Southern California. Around October 1, she started having headaches, nausea, and trouble walking straight, initially thinking it was vertigo. However, on October 25, when she vomited blood, it became clear that something serious was happening with her health.
“I woke up around 1 p.m.,” she shared. “I felt really bad, throwing up blood. I texted my sister, and she told the whole family.”

Concerned, her family took her to the doctor, who discovered a fast-growing tumor in the back of her brain, about the size of a golf ball. On October 27, the day before her 19th birthday, she underwent emergency surgery. Following the surgery, she went through a month of rehabilitation and had rounds of radiation.

“Just finished radiation therapy, and yesterday, I got to ring the bell,” she happily reported. “It’s been a long 30 sessions, six weeks.”

Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles discovered a sizable tumor, larger than a golf ball, in the back of Isabella Strahan’s brain. She received a diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer that commonly affects children between the ages of 5 to 9.In the coming month, she is scheduled to undergo chemotherapy at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Durham, North Carolina. For this round, she plans to document her experience through a new YouTube series, and the proceeds generated will be directed towards supporting the hospital.

“That’s my next step,” she expressed. “I’m ready for it to start and be one day closer to being over.”

Michael Strahan, with a 15-season career with the New York Giants, expressed his gratitude, considering himself the “luckiest man in the world” because of his “amazing” daughter. Despite the tough times she’s going through, he believes she’s strong enough to overcome it all. “I know she’s going through it, but I know that we’re never given more than we can handle, and that she is going to crush this,” he shared.

What is medulloblastoma?

Medulloblastoma is a type of cancerous tumor that primarily affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining balance. This type of tumor is most commonly found in children, although it can occur in adults as well. Medulloblastoma is considered a type of embryonal tumor, meaning it originates from cells that are still developing.

The symptoms of medulloblastoma can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, problems with coordination and balance, changes in behavior, and difficulties with motor skills. The exact cause of medulloblastoma is not well understood, and it is generally considered a rare form of brain cancer.

Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific approach may depend on factors such as the patient’s age, the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the central nervous system. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis and outcomes for individuals diagnosed with medulloblastoma.