BEYOND THE BATTLEFRONT PODCAST
Episode 8
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A College Dream Put on Hold: Isabella Strahan’s Battle with Brain Cancer
Guest: Isabella Strahan
Hosted by: Noor Hassan
Description
In this episode of Beyond the Battlefront, we sit down with Isabella Strahan who shares her personal journey through a cancer diagnosis while in college. From the moment she received the news to navigating treatment at Duke Children's Hospital, we explore the emotional, physical, and social challenges she faced. We also dive into her decision to publicly share her story through vlogging—ultimately ending up in her newest special on ABC "Life Interrupted." Tune in for an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation about resilience, community, and finding purpose in the face of adversity.
Key Takeaways
1. Unexpected Diagnosis and Immediate Action: Shortly after starting college, Isabella experienced symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Initially attributing these to less severe causes, she was later diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. This led to immediate surgery to remove a 4-cm tumor, followed by extensive rehabilitation.
2. Resilience and Public Advocacy: Throughout her treatment, Isabella displayed remarkable resilience. She chose to share her journey publicly through vlogging, aiming to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges. Her openness culminated in an ABC special titled "Life Interrupted," highlighting her commitment to advocacy.
3. Family Support and New Beginnings: Isabella's father, Michael Strahan, openly discussed the emotional toll of her diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of family support during such challenging times. Celebrating her recovery, he also shared the joy of becoming a grandfather with the birth of his grandson, Onyx, marking a new chapter for their family.
Resources Mentioned
1. Duke Children's Hospital
2. ABC Special - Life Interuppted