Michael Strahan's Daughter Sophia Shares More Insight Into Sister Isabella's Cancer Battle
Michael Strahan
On Thursday, Jan. 11, Michael Strahan and his daughter Isabella announced that she recently underwent surgery for a malignant, fast-growing brain tumor.
Now, Isabella's twin sister Sophia is opening up as well, praising her sister and her strength. The 19-year-old took to Instagram to share a bunch of never-before-seen pictures of the family over the past few months, including some taken inside the hospital as Isabella underwent treatment.
"I’m so lucky to have the most amazing sister and best friend in the world," began Sophia's emotional message. "The last few months have been so much harder than we could have ever imagined, but it’s made me realize just how strong you are."
"You inspire me and I’m so proud of you. Us forever ??," she concluded, with Isabella commenting back, "Best sister ??."
The news of Isabella's health crisis—with the teenager diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a tumor most often found in children that starts in the cerebellum of the brain—comes after Michael was noticeably absent from his post at Good Morning America for weeks in October and November, citing "personal family matters."
Michael and Isabella appeared on Good Morning America with an emotional segment recounting the family's experience the past few months, including how they discovered the tumor.
Isabella was just beginning college at the University of Southern California when she started having "headaches, nausea, [and] couldn't walk straight." At the end of October, she got a full health check-up and doctors found the tumor.
On Oct. 27, Isabella underwent surgery to remove the tumor, but she still has a lot ahead of her, starting with chemo treatment at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center in February.
"That's my next step. I'm ready for it to start and be one day closer to being over," said Isabella as she sat next to her father during the interview.
She is also sharing her journey on YouTube, hoping to help others going through something similar: "I hope to just kind of be a voice, and be [someone] who people, maybe [those who] are going through chemotherapy or radiation can look at."
Michael shares Isabella and Sophia with his second wife, Jean Muggli. The couple got divorced in 2006 and the former professional football player has been with his longtime girlfriend, Kayla Quick, since 2015.
Next: Michael Strahan Is a 'Proud' Dad While Celebrating Daughter’s Major Accomplishment
