August 2024: It was just a month since Isabella Strahan released her vlog titled ‘Goodbye Hospital’ after being declared cancer-free. The time preceding this was a tough eight-month period where she went through rounds of brain surgeries and chemotherapy and filmed the whole journey. But once the ordeal was done, she knew exactly what she needed to do next—Back to USC just a month after one of the most difficult times of her life.

Michael Strahan even called her ‘Superwoman’, owing to her strength and determination. Isabella was just 19 when she received her medulloblastoma diagnosis and fought a tough battle. She had to re-learn how to walk and talk and spent time improving her balance. This was hard for her father to witness, but Michael Strahan and the world recognized the strength in her story.

Now, just months after being declared cancer-free, she’s back—not just to normal life, but in the spotlight, front and center of Kenneth Cole’s “Purposeful Voices” campaign. A campaign about hope? Yes, Isabella was the perfect pick. Kenneth Cole, a brand known for its advocacy, tapped her to be the face of their Spring 2025 collection.

So Kenneth Cole’s Instagram handle announced this new project and wrote: “Our Spring 2025 collection, worn by @isabellastrahan. The day before her 19th birthday, Isabella was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Throughout her grueling treatment journey, she became a beacon of light for those in need. By documenting all of the ups and downs of her recovery on YouTube, she discovered the healing power of helping others. As she learned how to walk and talk again, she stepped up and used her voice to comfort, inspire, and give hope to others fighting to survive.”

In a new interview with ‘People’ Isabella talked about her new campaign with Kenneth Cole and stated: “Being on set for this campaign was amazing… I had the best time meeting everyone, and I was so comfortable. I went in the day before shooting the campaign for a fitting, and I was greeted with such kindness.”

The brand had contacted Isabella to model for seven looks, which they titled ‘Isabella’s Picks’ from their spring 2025 women’s ready-to-wear collection. It was designed by Emily Cole, daughter of Kenneth Cole. So right from the button-down with a pleated skort to her all-denim look, it was all Isabella Strahan’s selection.

“We paired together lots of options, but ultimately ended up wearing what felt most like my style and my everyday look,” Isabella shared. “I love that I had input, and I got to wear clothes that I felt comfortable in and loved.”

Her father, Michael Strahan, has been vocal about his daughter’s strength, calling her both a “survivor and a thriver.” And he’s not wrong. This isn’t just about overcoming an illness; it’s about stepping into a new chapter, one where she gets to define her path—on her terms. But when she hears made-up stuff as to why she had to step out of USC, she feels sad. What is that all about?

Isabella Strahan has nothing to prove…

Cancer sidelined her time at USC, but once she was declared cancer-free, she went right back to complete her education. While she wasn’t expecting victory laps, little did she know, that returning wasn’t as simple as walking through those university gates. As she recently shared on Beyond the Battlefront podcast, the transition was anything but smooth.

Isabella came back to a campus that had moved on without her. Friend groups had formed, routines were set, and she had to find her footing all over again. “It’s definitely interesting, like now being back at school. Seeing all the friend groups that formed when I wasn’t there. But honestly, it’s an adjustment because, of course, I was gone for most of the year. I know a lot of people and a lot of people have met me. But we’re not superclose, and that’s hardest part. Just kind of just kind of disappearing,” she admitted earlier this month.

While some friends had stayed by her side through hospital visits and FaceTime check-ins, the reality was harsh—most of her classmates had lived a completely different year. And then came the rumors. Because, of course, college gossip never takes a day off.

Apparently, while Isabella was undergoing surgeries, chemo, and radiation, some people had decided she was off chasing a modeling career instead. “I heard the other day that there were rumors that I dropped out of school to pursue modeling. I was like, ‘No, I didn’t!’” she said, laughing at the absurdity of it all. “I was like, ‘No, I didn’t!’ So, there’s stuff going around that I dropped out of school… I kind of found that funny that people are making that up. That’s crazy. Yeah, so it’s an interesting dynamic to be back.”

Well, now with her Kenneth Cole campaign, who knows, her modeling career might take off. What do you think?