Robin Roberts Offers Michael Strahan Encouragement During His Daughter’s Battle with Brain Cancer
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Michael Strahan, the co-anchor of Good Morning America, received valuable advice from his colleague, Robin Roberts, a cancer survivor, when his daughter Isabella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Michael shared that Robin told him about reaching a point where the focus shifts from the illness to embracing everyday life. Roberts said, “You think when you have cancer you’re going to wake up every day and think, Oh, I have cancer. But at some point, you wake up and you just live. You don’t even think about it.” Michael expressed his anticipation for Isabella to return to a state of normalcy, free from the constant weight of the disease, where she can live without its shadow hanging over her.
The Strahan family – Michael, Isabella, and her twin sister Sophia – opened up about their challenging journey in the latest issue of PEOPLE. Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in September 2023 as she was commencing college. After enduring rounds of radiation and intense chemotherapy, Isabella triumphed over cancer and rung the bell of remission in June 2024. Their inspirational story, reflecting the power of familial love and resilience, will also be featured in an upcoming ABC special titled “Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight Against Cancer,” airing on February 5 at 10 p.m., followed by showings on Disney and Hulu + on February 6.
Navigating a child’s illness can be particularly challenging, as Michael shared, “As a parent, you’re used to being able to protect your kid through anything and here is a situation where you can’t.” He highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and being a source of strength for Isabella, even amidst the emotional turmoil that comes with such a difficult journey. Isabella’s future involves periodic cancer scans every three months, gradually extending to every six months or a year.
Despite the hardships she has faced, Isabella, now back at the University of Southern California pursuing a degree in communications, is determined to use her experience to support others. Through real-time YouTube vlogs and engaging with fellow cancer patients and survivors, she is already making a positive impact in the community. Isabella emphasised that while her diagnosis is a part of her story, it does not define her. She hopes to instil in others the importance of seizing opportunities and cherishing family bonds, lessons she learned through her challenging battle.
Isabella’s newfound perspective on life is one of resilience and gratitude. She stressed, “This has definitely changed my mindset…I feel like now you have to have a really positive outlook on life – because you never know what someone could be going through – the next day could change everything.” Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, illustrating the strength that can emerge from adversity and the transformative power of unwavering familial support. It reinforces the message that, in the face of hardships, love, positivity, and resilience can pave the way to brighter tomorrows.
The Strahan family’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience that can blossom amidst adversity, showcasing the power of unity and unwavering support in overcoming life’s toughest challenges. By sharing their story, they offer solace, inspiration, and a reminder that no battle is insurmountable with love and perseverance.