Isabella Strahan, the 19-year-old daughter of Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, recently shared her inspiring recovery story after brain surgery to remove a rare, fast-growing tumor.
A freshman at the University of Southern California, Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in October, following severe headaches and vomiting.
She underwent emergency surgery and then faced a demanding month of rehabilitation, including relearning how to walk. Through YouTube videos, she opened up about the tough realities of her recovery.
Isabella detailed using a walker and wheelchair post-surgery and experiencing emotional ups and downs, partly due to steroids. She also underwent egg freezing to protect her fertility from radiation and chemotherapy, a process she found challenging due to daily injections.
Despite these obstacles, Isabella remained optimistic. She looked forward to returning to college and felt a touch of envy toward her twin sister Sophia, who was taking her finals. Her recovery included radiation and hair loss, leading her to shave her head, though she eventually found comfort without a wig.
During six months of chemotherapy at Duke University, Isabella enjoyed homecooked meals and time with her dogs. Dr. David Ashley, featured on Good Morning America, noted a highly positive prognosis for her condition, with over a 90% survival rate beyond five years.
Watch the video here:
