When New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud was crowned this year’s WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge champion—edging Erica Wheeler by 1.1 seconds to win the $57,575 prize—she had one thing in mind: helping her partner with a house. “You’re gonna get that house,” Cloud told Isabelle Harrison moments after lifting her off the ground in celebration. Looks like that was just a little ease the Liberty forward needed, given the heartbreaking battle behind the scenes.

After a recent game, Tash made sure Harrison got her moment in front of the media. She turned the camera on her girlfriend and asked: “What are you playing for right now?” Harrison replied, “Oh, great question, Tash. Thank you… I’m playing for the Lupus Foundation of America because of my brother, Daniel Harrison,” she shared.

“I didn’t get to do too much in Indy because I was in the hospital with him, but obviously I made sure I showed up for your big moment, Tash. A lot of the time, I spend in the hospital with my brother Daniel, because again, he’s looking for a kidney transplant. He’s been on the waitlist for like four years now, and he’s really having a hard time. So, I just really spread awareness about lupus,” Harrison added.

Well, this side of Izzy isn’t widely known, but it speaks volumes. She’s taking on the responsibility of ensuring her sibling gets a shot at a better life.

Daniel was diagnosed with lupus at just 13 years old and has been battling the disease ever since. For Harrison, it’s deeply personal. She has previously lost a sibling to the very same complication and has herself battled an autoimmune condition in 2018.

She leaned on family knowledge, nutrition, self-care, and strategic wellness practices to manage it and still thrive in her basketball career. While she was fortunate to stabilize her health, her brother hasn’t been as lucky. He’s been waiting for a kidney donor for four long years. So when Harrison opened up about her journey, fans flooded the comment sections with love and support.

Isabelle’s moves are far beyond words! 

As the WNBA community got to know this deeply emotional and inspiring side of Harrison, messages of encouragement poured in. “Very difficult 😞 sometimes it’s longer, but gotta stay strong in all aspects,” wrote a fan on Instagram. Izzy absolutely deserves the outpouring of love and support she’s receiving. Well, Harrison only returned to the WNBA two years ago after missing the entire 2023 season due to a meniscus injury. And her comeback wasn’t just physical.

She’s long been carrying personal burdens, including the heartbreaking loss of her sister, Danielle, who passed away from lupus in 2017. Now, she’s standing by her brother, who continues to fight the same chronic illness. “I hope he finds a donor soon,” commented another user. Even Harrison’s tattoo, “faith over fear,” is a testament to her resilience.

And not just that because she’s also taken her advocacy beyond the court. During her time with Athletes Unlimited (AU), she actively raised awareness for lupus, sharing: “I want to be able to promote [my brother’s] story… It’s very prevalent in the African American community.” And she doesn’t stop there. She carries a necklace with her sister’s ashes, always staying grounded in her purpose and connected to the community she fights for.

“I lost my mom very young because of lupus and kidney failure. Sending you guys all the love and will be supporting in every way this season!” wrote another fan. Well, that’s why she’s doing everything she can—to lift up not just her brother, but also the entire lupus community. As she put it best: “He still has a smile on his face, amazing energy, while going through that… I talk about being resilient, and I definitely learned that through my family.” she shared in an interview with Andscape.

“I wish he gets the kidney. I surely do. This is touching,” penned yet another supporter.

But it’s not just about lupus. Beyond the chronic illness, Izzy has emerged as a voice for mental health too. She was honored with the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in May 2022 for her tireless outreach efforts—including distributing shoes to children in marginalized communities and offering emotional support to fans battling inner demons.

” IZZY!! Love you so much! “ penned another user. Rightfully so. Because in another unforgettable moment, she connected with a fan who had survived a su-cide attempt, gifting them an all-expenses-paid trip to a Dallas Wings game and a pair of sneakers. Because that’s just who Izzy is.