Michael Strahan is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
Since retiring after winning Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants, Strahan has become a broadcast superstar … In other words, things have gone quite well for Big Mike.
However, the Strahan family recently received some very sad news.
Isabella Strahan, Michael’s 19-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
Michael Strahan's 19-year-old daughter, Isabella Strahan, rings the bell after completing her radiation treatment! 🎉 https://t.co/lwaPqK7Dlh pic.twitter.com/atV45SsIpa
— E! News (@enews) January 17, 2024
In a heartfelt Instagram post, twin sister Sophia expressed love and admiration for Isabella.
“I’m so lucky to have the most amazing sister and best friend in the world. The last few months have been so much harder than we could have ever imagined, but it’s made me realize just how strong you are. You inspire me, and I’m so proud of you. Us forever,” Sophia wrote.
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The touching tribute followed an appearance by Michael and Isabella on “Good Morning America,” where they revealed the diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a fast-growing cancerous brain tumor, in October 2023.
For the past few months, Michael Strahan's 19-year-old daughter Isabella has faced a private health battle, fighting medulloblastoma, a rare type of brain tumor. pic.twitter.com/JQzsATm4aq
— ABC News (@ABC) January 15, 2024
“Today my daughter @IsabellaStrahan joined @RobinRoberts and myself for an interview about the journey she has been going through on @GMA. I love you Isabella and I’m always by your side. To all sending love, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!” Michael shared on Instagram.
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Isabella, a freshman at the University of Southern California, began experiencing headaches, nausea, and difficulty walking around October 1, prompting medical attention.
She later underwent brain surgery, followed by rehabilitation and six weeks of radiation treatment.
In February, she will begin chemotherapy at Duke University, where her sister Sophia is enrolled.
“I’m feeling good, not too bad. I’m very excited for this whole process to wrap, but you just have to keep living every day through the whole thing,” Isabella said, expressing great optimism despite the challenges ahead.
Isabella intends to document her journey on her YouTube channel, in collaboration with Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center.
In her first video, titled “How it started,” she shared, “It’s been rough. It’s been challenging. It’s been very hard. But I know time will heal and things will get back. I can’t really say normal because there’s no really a normal now in my life. But things will get back to being calmer.”
Support has poured in from Michael Strahan’s famous friends, including sportscaster Erin Andrews, who expressed on social media: “Love u guys. Beyond proud and here for u.”
In April of 2022, Isabella marked her entry into the modeling world by gracing the runway for Sherri Hill’s show…
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“Extremely proud of you, @isabellastrahan, for owning the runway at @sherrihill this weekend!!! Witnessing your child succeed in what they love with a radiant smile is unmatched as a parent!” Michael posted about Isabella at the time…
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Isabella is affiliated with Women 360 in New York City and she recently celebrated her inaugural major campaign with Sephora…
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Beyond her modeling endeavors, Isabella is also a student at USC.
She pursued higher education after obtaining her high school diploma from the Convent of the Sacred Heart…
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“Out high school and on to USC!!! So proud of you, @isabellastrahan!!!” Michael shared on Instagram upon her high school graduation. “Intelligent, beautiful, and hard-working!! I can’t wait to continue to watch you shine!! Love you!”
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During their high school years, Isabella and Sophia immersed themselves in volleyball and horseback riding.
Growing up part-time on their mother’s Wilmington, North Carolina farm, the girls developed a profound passion for equestrian pursuits.
The farmhouse, standing for two centuries, required substantial renovations upon their arrival.
“The house is 200 years old and still needs a lot of work, but when we moved here, the thing we focused on was making the barn magical. We made it a comfortable place to spend our time and enjoy our horses. Whenever we throw parties, they always happen at the barn,” their mother Jean Muggli told The Carolinas Equestrian…
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Isabella and Sophia received training at their barn, earning numerous prestigious blue ribbons in competitions along the East Coast…
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Obviously, we wish the entire Strahan family nothing but the best.
It’s tremendous to see Isabella in such great spirits. Hopefully her recovery continues strong, and she can get back to doing what she loves.
Stepping back for a second, what are your thoughts on Michael as both a player and analyst?
Where does he rank among the best defensive players of his era???
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