Michael Strahan’s Daughter Shares Horrific Details on Brain Cancer Diagnosis, Provides Major Life Update

October ’23 was supposed to be a regular month for Michael Strahan’s daughter, Isabella. Juggling classes and campus life at USC. But also trying to imagine: ‘How will I go about my birthday month?’ That’s the usual, right? However, things started feeling… off. Headaches, nausea, dizziness—you know, the stuff we all chalk up to stress and late-night cramming. But Isabella’s story is a stark reminder: never ignore your body’s red flags.

Lucky for Isabella, she had her twin sister, Sophia, to lean on. When Isabella mentioned her symptoms, Sophia stepped up. “She called and said she was throwing up blood,” Sophia recalled in a PEOPLE interview. As alarming as it was, Sophia made a decision, pronto. No more dwelling on self-diagnosis, and she decided to tell Michael and her mom (Michael’s ex-wife), Jean Muggli.

Turns out, this wasn’t just a bad case of stress, ‘overwork’. Isabella had a fast-growing tumor in her cerebellum—the brain’s balance HQ. “No second opinions,” doctors said. “We need to operate now.” On her 19th birthday, no less, Isabella underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball. With Godspeed, the operation was successful, but what followed was no less of a traumatic experience.

The road to recovery, so to speak, wasn’t smooth. Isabella faced eight months of hospital visits, two more surgeries to address infections, and even had part of her skull replaced with a titanium mesh plate. Through it all, the Strahans became ONE. And it was the time to do so. “My mom would sleep in the hospital with me,” Isabella shared, while Michael Strahan was just in awe of her daughter’s strength.

Learning to eat, talk, and walk again became Isabella’s new normal. “She just wanted to feel normal,” Sophia said. And you know, the sibling energy: ‘Whatever you’ll go through, I’ll be present. I’ll be your ride and die.’ That’s why they say even when no one’s there, family’s always there.

So Sophia made it her mission to help, whether it meant pushing Isabella’s wheelchair or simply being there. It wasn’t an easy road, but Isabella handled every challenge with grace. We must give her the flowers she deserves (and more) every day! Yes, every day.

But Isabella’s story had some side characters as well. The doctors, for starters, the friends that she made in the hospital. Her FAMILY! Now, we would be able to witness it (as much as we can through the screens).

Michael Strahan reveals one thing he can’t do

When Isabella Strahan sat down with PEOPLE, she kept it as real as she could have. “You can’t predict what will happen, and that’s a little scary,” she said. But fear doesn’t drive her. “I think I should live every day. Take every opportunity. My diagnosis is part of me, but it doesn’t define me. I want to be a voice.”

That’s the kind of grit you can’t expect for anyone to have. You just shouldn’t—even if they are raised by an ex-DE.

Her story is now front and center in the upcoming ABC special, Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight to Beat Cancer, airing Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. EST. This isn’t just another documentary; it’s a heartfelt look at Isabella’s battle, featuring her family, doctors, and even other cancer patients she’s inspired.

Her YouTube vlogs documenting the journey will also make an appearance. If you’ve ever wondered how someone her age finds the courage to share their rawest moments, this is your chance to find out.

And about those vlogs—Michael Strahan has admitted he’s never watched them. “I’ve seen her film about it,” he said, “but I’ve never watched it. It’s hard to live it twice. I gotta live it in here.” That’s the pain of a father… But Isabella’s videos aren’t just for her family; they’re an inspiration for teens going through similar battles.

At the end of the day, Isabella is her father’s daughter. Tough as nails, yet compassionate. And now, cancer-free. Whether you tune in to ABC or catch it on Disney+ the next day, just take time out of your daily schedules to watch it. It is sure to give you the strength you may need!