Former pro football player and television host Michael Strahan has recently talked about his daughter Isabella’s cancer diagnosis. Appearing with his daughter, he gave a first-hand account of seeing a loved one struggle with their health. Isabella herself also shared what she gained and learned from the experience.

Fans Were Given Updates Through Isabella’s Vlogs

Isabella had been diagnosed with a brain tumor back in October 2023. Michael previously appeared on Good Morning America earlier this year with Isabella to talk about the diagnosis.

Since the appearance, Isabella has also shared her journey with vlogs. Back in June, Isabella shared she was deemed “cancer-free” after her last chemotherapy treatment.

Michael and Isabella also recently spoke with Town and Country, describing the past year dealing with Isabella’s diagnosis. In addition to three brain surgeries, the treatments involved six weeks of radiation and four chemotherapy treatments.

Michael ackowledged things were “a lot scarier” than he imagined as he prayed for his daughter’s health. He also admitted he feared the worst upon learning of the diagnosis.

As Michael shared, “There were times when we said, ‘We know it’s painful and tough, but it’s temporary.’ The last year is one we hope to forget, but at the same time it’s shown us a lot of important things about who she is and about who we are and about how we show up for each other as a family.”

Isabella & Michael Strahan Shared The Importance Of Appreciating Today

The TV host also shared that what happened will have a lasting impact on him. As he shared, “You have to control your thoughts because your brain thinks of the worst-case scenario, and then you work your way back from there. I don’t think I’ll go through the rest of my life without some worry in some shape or form about this.”

For her part, Isabella admitted that there were times when she would become depressed, but realized it wouldn’t help the situation. She also felt the experience helped her grow up in certain ways. She shared, “I’m super-­grateful for walking and talking again. You don’t think of the things you can do until you live without them.”

Michael shared that it was painful watching his daughter go through all this. Even watching her struggle to do everyday things could be unsettling. However, he shared that, “throughout this entire journey, Isabella has inspired and helped us all by how she has approached what she was facing. She has worked so hard, and with such amazing spirit. And she is still on a journey with her vision, balance, and getting her weight back.”

Isabella shared that this journey has taught her to live life to the fullest. As she explained, “I think this year has made me stronger. The people in your life are what makes it enjoyable. Now I don’t say no to anything. I don’t think, I’ll do it next week. You don’t know what next week will look like.”

Michael shared this sentiment: “Don’t be afraid to cry, don’t be afraid to be emotional and vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ Don’t be afraid to say something you always wanted to say.” Isabella added “Yeah, don’t be afraid to say something, because you may never have a chance again to say it.” She then summed things up, saying, “Life’s too short.”