Context:

Maria Menounos, 47, has expressed her deep love for her daughter Athena, calling her a 'north star' and emphasizing that motherhood is the greatest joy of her life. Since Athena's birth via surrogate in June 2023, Menounos has shifted her priorities, focusing on being present and enjoying time with her daughter. She also reflected on her personal health journey, having battled stage 2 pancreatic cancer, which she overcame through vigilance and timely medical intervention. Menounos advocates for health awareness, underscoring the importance of being proactive about health screenings. Looking ahead, she remains committed to both her family and health advocacy efforts.

Dive Deeper:

• Menounos described Athena as 'everything' to her, highlighting the joy and gratitude she feels for her daughter's health and vibrant personality, which includes speaking three languages.

• Menounos learned about the fleeting nature of time in motherhood, emphasizing her commitment to being present and enjoying each moment with Athena.

• In January 2023, while preparing for Athena's arrival, Menounos was diagnosed with a 3.9-centimeter pancreatic tumor. She insisted on further testing after initial negative results, which ultimately led to her surgery in February.

• Menounos has been cancer-free since her surgery and is now a spokesperson for the Cancerguard Test, a blood test that helps detect cancer early.

• She stresses the significance of prioritizing health, encouraging others to take charge of their health journeys and not rely solely on medical professionals for oversight.

• Menounos acknowledges the challenges of parenting, admitting that while mistakes will be made, she is committed to doing her best for Athena.

• The podcast host's experiences have led her to advocate for health screenings, believing they are vital for early detection and better outcomes in cancer treatment.