Who Is 'GMA' Host Michael Strahan's Daughter Who Helped Her Twin Sister Walk Again after Brain Surgery?

• You may know Michael Strahan as the former NFL star and the co-host of GMA, but do you know his daughter who helped her twin sister walk again after brain surgery?
• Sophia and her twin sister, Isabella, were both freshmen in college until Isabella was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor.
• Sophia has been by Isabella's side throughout her treatment, staying in the hospital with her, helping her relearn to walk, and encouraging her.

As a father to four children, former NFL star and co-host of "Good Morning America," Michael Strahan and the entire family helped his 19-year-old daughter, Isabella, navigate a difficult health journey. Isabella is battling a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma.

Following her diagnosis, she bravely underwent emergency surgery, endured rounds of radiation, and battled through chemotherapy. As she now gears up for another treatment cycle, her resilience remains unbroken. Throughout this challenging journey, Isabella's twin sister, Sophia, has been a constant pillar of support, accompanying her every step of the way.

Isabella and Sophia are the youngest of Strahan's four children. His first wife, Wanda Hutchins, is the mother of his eldest children, Tanita Strahan and Michael Jr., while the twins are shared with his ex-wife, Jean Muggli. Way before Isabella's diagnosis, the devoted father had expressed in a December 2022 interview how lucky he felt to have four healthy children.

He stated, "For me, having four kids and having them all be healthy, it makes me realize just how unfortunate when your kid isn't — and how devastating that must be." Strahan emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the priceless value of having a support system that takes care of your child's medical bills, especially when faced with health challenges.

For his family, giving back holds a significant place, especially during the holiday season. Strahan, an ardent advocate for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, dedicates himself to the cause of this cancer research institute, which offers free treatment to children battling diseases. This philanthropic endeavor, he revealed, has become a cherished yearly ritual for him.

Despite being raised separately, all four of Strahan's children share a close bond. "You worry how the kids will mix and blend, but brothers and sisters are brothers and sisters regardless of different mothers," he proudly stated. When Strahan and Hutchins decided to go their separate ways, Hutchins remained in Germany with their children, Michael Jr. and Tanita.

Strahan has always prioritized maintaining an active presence in his children's lives, making frequent trips and staying in constant communication with them, regardless of geographical barriers. Strahan's dedication to his children is evident in his commitment to spending quality time with them.

He revealed how he regularly traveled to see them during their school year, and they visited him in New York during their breaks. Strahan's separation from Muggli did not hinder his relationship with the twins. He was determined not to be a distant father who only provided financial support.

When the twins were gearing up for college, Strahan experienced a whirlwind of emotions. While he was thrilled about their impending adulthood, he also recognized that he would miss their presence. He advocates for allowing his children the freedom to grow and carve out their own identities.

He acknowledged, "Kids need their own identity, their own space to grow, so that's what I'm giving my girls." His children significantly influenced Strahan's decision to continue working after retiring from the NFL. They were his driving force, motivating him to work hard not for materialistic gains but to set a living example of diligence and perseverance.

He aimed to inspire them with his work ethic, showcasing his dedication through both his football career and his endeavors in the real world. His youngest daughters, Sophia and Isabella, have consistently been involved in charitable activities, such as volunteering at food kitchens.

Strahan underscored the importance of these experiences in molding well-rounded individuals who understand the value of their blessings. The twins have led an exciting life, dividing their time between North Carolina and North Dakota. Their vibrant lifestyle includes interviewing the First Lady for GMA and partaking in rural activities such as horse riding.

At the tender age of 10, the twins were presented with a unique opportunity to attend The White House Kids' State Dinner. As special correspondents for "Good Morning America," they were entrusted with the task of interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama. They rose to the challenge, asking insightful questions about the event and the significance of healthy eating.

In a light-hearted moment, they even managed to secure the First Lady's endorsement in their plea for a pet dog. Before leaving, they had an opportunity to shake hands with President Obama. The twins' interests are diverse and extend beyond their journalistic pursuits.

They are accomplished horseback riders, transitioning from barrel racers and pole benders to successful hunter and equitation riders under the guidance of trainer Lynley Reilly. Their dedication and hard work have earned them blue ribbons at some of the East Coast's most prestigious horse shows.

Besides being a volleyball player, Isabella has also ventured into modeling. She modeled for Sherri Hill in April 2022 and recently featured in an ad campaign for Sephora Collection mascara, as proudly revealed by her father on his Instagram in January 2024. In June 2023, she graduated high school and enrolled as a freshman at the University of Southern California.

A few months into college life, she started to experience some alarming symptoms in the fall of 2023. In a recent interview with Robin Roberts, his co-host on "Good Morning America," Isabella and Strahan opened up about her battle with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor.

Strahan expressed his pride in Isabella's strength and courage in sharing her story, saying, "I'm very proud of her. She's always been strong." Isabella revealed that she started experiencing excruciating headaches during her first year in college, which she initially mistook for vertigo. However, her condition worsened, leading to nausea and difficulty walking straight.

Her condition took a severe turn when she began vomiting blood. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she alerted her family, prompting them to seek immediate medical attention. After undergoing an EKG and other tests, Isabella was sent for an MRI. The doctor then urgently directed her to Cedars-Sinai, withholding further information about her diagnosis at the time.

Strahan, who was informed about his daughter's brain tumor before she was, recalls the surreal feeling of the moment and his urgency to reach Los Angeles. Isabella was ultimately diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor that accounts for 20% of all childhood brain tumors. Recalling the moment they got the diagnosis, Strahan said, "It just doesn't feel real."

On October 27, just a day before her 19th birthday, she underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery was followed by a grueling month of rehab, during which she had to relearn how to walk. Following the surgery, Isabella underwent several rounds of proton radiation therapy, completing her treatment just a day before publicly revealing her diagnosis.

She shared her joy at ringing the bell, marking the end of her radiation sessions. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and is preparing to start chemotherapy in February at Duke University, where her twin sister Sophia is studying. After the interview, Sophia posted a heartfelt message expressing her admiration for Isabella's strength and resilience.

It read, "I'm so lucky to have the most amazing sister and best friend in the world. 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." Isabella has also started a vlog to document her journey, providing an intimate look into her experience.

Through Isabella Strahan's health challenges, she has received unwavering support from Sophia. Their bond has been a beacon of hope and strength, with Sophia encouraging and helping her relearn how to walk after her brain surgery. Their relationship is a testament to the power of sisterhood and family and symbolizes courage, strength, and unconditional love.