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Isabella Strahan, daughter of "Good Morning America" co-anchor Michael Strahan, is celebrating a significant milestone nearly six months after publicly disclosing her diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. The 20-year-old announced in a vlog on her YouTube channel that she has recently completed her final round of chemotherapy.
"This has been a long journey, but I made it," she stated. "Now, I have to recover and get back to my usual state, which will take a long time, but I'm done with treatments." Friends, family, and hospital staff marked Isabella's accomplishment with a confetti parade at the hospital. She also rang the bell, a tradition signifying the end of chemotherapy, describing the celebration as a "great day."
Michael Strahan shared his joy on Instagram, celebrating his daughter's milestone in her battle against cancer. "Isabella, you are a SUPERWOMAN! Ringing that bell and finishing chemo, you're on your way!" he captioned a video of her ringing the bell. "You continue to fight with a smile on your face, showing strength and determination. I am one proud Dad! Love you, Bella."
Isabella, a freshman at the University of Southern California, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma following an MRI scan in October. Medulloblastoma, a fast-growing cancerous brain tumor, develops in the cerebellum, the area at the back of the brain responsible for movement and coordination. According to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, where Isabella is receiving treatment, medulloblastoma accounts for about 20% of all childhood brain tumors. Each year, approximately 300 children are diagnosed with this type of tumor.
After undergoing brain surgery in late October, Isabella embarked on a rigorous treatment plan that included rehabilitation, six weeks of radiation, and chemotherapy starting in February. Throughout her treatment, she experienced side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog and faced setbacks, including fevers that required hospitalization. For the past six months, Isabella has chronicled the ups and downs of her health journey on her YouTube channel, aiming to raise awareness about brain tumors, particularly in children.
"With my platform, I hope to be a voice and a source of support for those going through something similar, whether it's chemotherapy or radiation," she shared on "GMA" in January. "I'm excited to be that person for others."
