CELEBRITY
Isabella Strahan celebrates 20th birthday, as she reflects on anniversary of brain tumor diagnosis
Michael Strahan’s daughter, Isabella, celebrated her 20th birthday with a fun trip to Disneyland and reflected how life has “changed tremendously” one year after her brain tumor diagnosis.
Michael shared photos of Isabella and her twin sister, Sophia, both wearing Minnie Mouse ears while smiling in front of a birthday cake to his Instagram on Monday.
“Happy Birthday to my baby girls, @isabellastrahan and @sophialstrahan! Can’t believe how fast 20 years have passed 😅,” the proud dad, 52, captioned the photo.
“Loved celebrating at Disney and looking to celebrate many many more my loves!! Love you😘❤️,” he added.
Other photos showed the twins posing for photos with friends and wearing matching crewneck sweatshirts that said “In Our Birthday Era” across the back.
Isabella also shared a sneak peek inside the festivities by posting a TikTok video in which she and her friends and family members were all wearing Mini Mouse ears while singing Sexy Red’s song “It’s My Birthday” from inside a party bus.
This year’s celebrations looked very different from last year’s birthday for Isabella.
The day before her 19th birthday, Isabella was hospitalized and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a large malignant tumor from her cerebellum.
The USC student ended up spending her birthday bedridden during her recovery and her friends and family decorated her hospital room with birthday decorations like balloons, flowers and stuffed animals.
Isabella addressed the stark difference between the two birthdays by sharing photos from her difficult hospital stay on her Instagram in honor of her big milestone birthday this year.
“365 days since my life changed tremendously. Thankful for the progress I’ve made,” she said.
In January, the “Good Morning America” host and Isabella announced that she had been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Doctors discovered she had a “fast-growing, 4-centimeter tumor” after she had experienced symptoms like headaches and nausea.
Following the procedure to remove the malignant brain tumor known as a medulloblastoma, she underwent radiation therapy and 30 days of rehabilitation.
In June, Michael announced that his daughter had completed her chemotherapy.
“@isabellastrahan you are a SUPERWOMAN! Ringing that bell finishing chemo and on your way! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾,” he captioned an Instagram post on June 16.
“You continue to fight with a smile on your face, strength, and determination. I am one proud Dad! Love you, Bella ❤️❤️ Full vlog on her YouTube channel. Keep inspiring ❤️,” he added.
Michael shares his twin daughters with his second ex-wife, Jean Muggli. He also is a father to daughter Tanita, 32, and son Michael Jr., 29, whom he shares with his first wife, Wanda Hutchins.