After a challenging health journey, including a brain tumor and pancreatic cancer, 47-year-old Maria Menounos has found immense joy and purpose in motherhood. Her daughter, Athena, born via surrogate, is described as “heaven” and her “north star,” inspiring Menounos to prioritize health and presence through manifesting.
For television personality and podcast host Maria Menounos, the journey to motherhood has been one marked by resilience, profound challenges, and ultimately, unparalleled joy. At 47 years old, Menounos describes life with her 2-year-old daughter, Athena, as nothing short of “heaven.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially given her recent triumphant battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and a decade-long fertility journey. Athena, welcomed via surrogate in June 2023 with husband Keven Undergaro, has brought an immeasurable amount of light into their lives, becoming Menounos’ ultimate “north star.”
A Decade-Long Dream Fulfilled
The arrival of Athena was the culmination of years of hope and persistence for Maria and Keven. After navigating extensive fertility treatments and IVF, the couple chose surrogacy, a decision that ultimately led to their greatest blessing. Menounos often speaks of “manifesting” her life as a wife, journalist, and mother, a practice she believes has shaped her reality “since the get-go.” She would visualize moments with her future child, pushing a stroller or seeing her father with the baby, actively focusing on her desires to bring them into existence. This powerful tool of manifestation was instrumental in her long-held dream of becoming a mother.
In interviews, Menounos has expressed how motherhood is “even more amazing than I ever expected,” gushing to PopCulture.com that Athena “has been the greatest gift in life.” Her daughter’s happy, smiley demeanor has literally “lit this entire house up,” transforming their home into a place of constant glowing happiness.
Navigating Health Battles with Resilience
Menounos’ path to joy was shadowed by significant health challenges. In 2017, she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. More recently, in January 2023, she received a diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), a rare type of pancreatic cancer. This devastating news came as she was awaiting Athena’s birth. Despite initial scans appearing normal, Menounos trusted her instincts and pushed for additional screenings, which ultimately revealed a rapidly growing tumor. She told People, “if I hadn’t done that, I probably wouldn’t be here,” crediting her persistence for saving her life.
She underwent surgery in February 2023 to remove the tumor and has since been cancer-free. This harrowing experience cemented her commitment to health advocacy, leading her to partner with Cancerguard by Exact Sciences. Menounos emphasizes the critical importance of early detection, particularly for cancers that often present no symptoms. She actively encourages everyone to be the “CEO of their own health” and to seek proactive screenings.
Athena: The North Star and a Source of Gratitude
For Menounos, Athena is more than just a daughter; she is a constant reminder of life’s preciousness. “My north star is my daughter,” Menounos shared with OK!. This profound connection drives her daily commitment to a healthy lifestyle, praying for the strength and longevity to witness all of Athena’s milestones. Menounos feels immense gratitude that her health journey has allowed her to be present and fully immerse herself in motherhood, something she believes she might have missed if Athena had arrived earlier in her career.
The new mom cherishes every moment, from changing “poopy diapers” to early morning sun sessions with her bright-eyed baby. She and Athena begin their days by soaking up the morning sun, saying prayers, and practicing gratitude. Menounos shared with People that she gives Athena her first bottle outside to ensure she gets vitamin D, and they recite the “Our Father” together, a ritual that deepens their bond and reinforces her thankfulness.
A Multilingual and Grounded Child
Even at two years old, Athena is already showcasing a vibrant personality and an impressive skill set. Menounos proudly shares that her daughter speaks three languages: Spanish, Greek, and English. Athena is also adopting her parents’ wellness practices, often taking off her shoes to “ground” with her mother and engaging in yoga stretches. This early introduction to holistic health reflects Menounos’ dedication to nurturing her daughter’s well-being from a young age.
The Power of Manifesting and Being Present
Manifesting remains a cornerstone of Maria Menounos’ philosophy. This belief is reflected in her collaboration with RXBAR for the Mani FX bars, limited-edition protein bars with customizable wrappers. These wrappers allow individuals to write down their goals and intentions, serving as a daily reminder and “accountability partner.” For Menounos, her bar often features reminders like “be present for family,” especially when feeding Athena, ensuring she doesn’t get sidetracked by emails or other distractions.
She understands that “doing the work” also means redefining priorities, accepting that some things, like missing the UPS driver, are less important than being there for her daughter. Menounos’ father, Constantinos, shares a beautiful bond with Athena, which she had visualized during her cancer battle. This visualization became a reality, bringing her to tears as she watched them play together, reinforcing her belief in the power of focused intention.
The experience of holding Athena for the first time, a moment shared with her husband and father, was surreal. “What you’ve been focusing on and dreaming of is now real and in your arms,” she recalled, an unforgettable feeling that cemented the culmination of her manifesting efforts and fertility journey. The bond with her surrogate also remains strong, as they text often and are considered “family for life” for the greatest gift they provided.
Advocating for Health and Well-being
Menounos’ personal experiences have made her a passionate advocate for health. Beyond promoting early cancer detection with Cancerguard, she emphasizes general well-being practices, advising everyone to:
- Listen to their body: Don’t dismiss symptoms as just stress.
- Get routine screenings: Many cancers have no symptoms until advanced stages.
- Prioritize sleep: Essential for overall health and recovery.
Her work with her podcast, Heal Squad, further extends this mission, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and embrace a holistic approach to living.
Maria Menounos’ story is a testament to the transformative power of love, resilience, and unwavering focus. Through her own health battles and the profound joy of motherhood, she continues to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and manifest the lives they truly desire.
