It’s been nearly a year since Maria Menounos shared the heart-wrenching news that her mother, Litsa Menounos, was battling brain cancer. Now, in a candid interview, the TV personality is opening up about her own health scare, calling it “the best thing that ever happened to me.”
A few months ago, the former E! News anchor underwent surgery to remove a tumor the size of a golf ball from her brain. Diagnosed with benign meningioma in April, Maria experienced a series of alarming symptoms—light-headedness, headaches, slurred speech, and difficulty reading the teleprompter on set. After an MRI revealed the tumor, her world turned upside down. But as she reflects on the experience, she’s finding a silver lining in the storm.
“Would you believe me if I told you that the brain tumor is the best thing that ever happened to me? It’s freed me from all that anxiety of having to be perfect. You can’t control everything; leave it to God and just say, ‘Okay, this is my journey,’” the 39-year-old told Women's Health. “This whole thing has been such a gift. This happened for a reason.”
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View this post on InstagramHappy Wednesday ! #bangs #noovie ❤️
A Journey of Strength and Faith
Maria first spoke publicly about her diagnosis in July. “I didn’t cry. I actually laughed,” she told People. “It’s so surreal and crazy and unbelievable that my mom has a brain tumor—and now I have one too?”
Dr. Keith L. Black, the same renowned neurosurgeon who treated Maria's mother, performed her surgery on June 8. He was confident that he removed 99.9 percent of the tumor, though there’s still a six to seven percent chance it could return. “I’ll take those odds any day,” Maria said with determination.
In her candid interview with Women's Health, Maria revealed how her diagnosis transformed her perspective. “Before the brain tumor, I was super Type A. I was on top of everything. I would remember everyone’s birthdays and make sure they had their flowers. I was everything to everyone, but nothing to myself,” she confessed. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but there was no self-compassion, no self-love. I didn’t think I deserved it.”
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View this post on InstagramThis video was taken 24 hours after my brain surgery. I still can’t believe that you can eat and speak normally so soon after. It was hard to keep my eyes open bc i was seeing double at this point. I’ve received so many messages from people saying that my story has helped them, and on my 6 month anniversary I wanted to share this so if you are about to go through this you can see with your own eyes what it can be like. Everyone is different…but if I can ease your fears a bit I would like to. Also want to stress the importance of friends! @alyssawallerce my best friend of 26 years was by my side for months and she fed me this first meal (broth)…it’s a journey and you need help so Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Forever grateful to alyssa and all my amazing friends who helped me through this!
Reflecting on Life After Surgery
After her surgery in June, Maria had plenty of time to reflect on life. “With nothing to do but stay in bed, I had plenty of time to think. Like: ‘Why do I work 20 hours a day? To have more… to pay more… to owe more? What is life about? What really matters?’” she shared. “Going the extra mile and depleting my health for some boss who’s never going to care? Not worth it!”
Following her diagnosis, Maria made the difficult decision to step down from her position at E! News to focus on her health. “I am so grateful for the past three years at E!,” she said in a statement. “I had such an amazing time co-hosting with Jason Kennedy and working every day with the wonderful roster of talent on the show, including producers, staff, and crew. It was such a special, good-hearted group, and one I’ll always consider family.”
View this post on InstagramFirst I wanna say thank you all for the well wishes, prayers and support. It's been a crazy time here in our home. I want you all to know that I'm ok! Seriously I'm recovering well and should be as good as new very very soon! Luckily I don't need any further treatments but I can't say the same about my mom. So please keep her in your prayers. I also want to thank @people for allowing me to share my story. @juliejordanc & @mrjesscagle THANK YOU' Next-I need to thank everyone at @cedarssinai everyone there has been amazing. Most people want to rush out of the hospital to get home I kept saying I've never been treated kinder. I cried like a baby saying goodbye to the amazing nurses who took such good care of me. God bless nurses! I of course need to thank dr black and dr Chu for performing an amazing surgery and giving me the best bday gift ever-my health. And lastly, god has blessed me in so many ways but this too was a blessing. I got to hear what I have meant to my friends and family-it's been quite moving for me. I want thank all of my incredible friends, family and even strangers who have shown me and my family such kindness. @alyssawallerce Thank you for being with me every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without you. @iamjoegear You too! And to @undergaro the best nurse in the world..you never left the hospital and slept by my side there. you are my everything and I'm so thankful to you. You and dad have really been incredible to mom and me. You both have inspired me. I've never been more excited about life. I see so much so clearly. Will share more with all of you soon! Xo
Thanking Her Supporters
In July, Maria took to Instagram to express her gratitude to her fans, who showered her with love and support. “It’s been a crazy time here in our home. I want you all to know that I’m ok!” she captioned a selfie with her mom. “Seriously I’m recovering well and should be as good as new very very soon! Luckily I don’t need any further treatments, but I can’t say the same about my mom. So please keep her in your prayers.” Fans were relieved to hear her positive update and expressed their continued support.
