Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis icon Serena Williams, is currently recovering after undergoing thyroid surgery aimed at removing suspicious nodules. On November 28, 2023, Ohanian revealed on Instagram, "After tracking some suspicious nodules on my thyroid for the last 4 years, I recently got half of it surgically removed. The nodules were getting bigger & the latest biopsy revealed they’d very likely turn cancerous." His honest account of his health issues came as he highlighted the importance of seeking medical help.
The 41-year-old tech entrepreneur provided personal insights, relating how his family history affected his health decisions. Ohanian’s mother had faced breast cancer at his age and passed away from brain cancer years later. Expressing his resolve, he said, "I hate cancer. I wasn’t gonna take any chances." Fortunately, he received good news from his doctor post-surgery, stating, "I got the call this morning... my now-removed-half-of-thyroid was... very likely to become cancerous." Despite the health scare, he feels "extra grateful" this year, especially for the moments he shares with his daughters, 6-year-old Alexis Olympia and 15-month-old Adira River.
Life continuing as usual, Ohanian noted some challenges post-operation: "The worst part tbh has been not being able to lift for 2 weeks but big fella will be back at it next week." His commitment to fatherhood remains steadfast; he took his girls to Disney World, showcasing how important family bonding is during such times.
Ohanian is known for his creative culinary skills as well, particularly his pancake-making tradition with Olympia. His homemade pancakes have become quite popular, symbolizing his love and dedication as a father. Earlier this year, he humorously admitted, driven by Olympia's interest, he bought a commercial-grade crepe maker after discovering her desire for crepes. He said, "the fact she showed any interest... meant I need to be the best pancake artist I can." His playful philosophy reflects his efforts to grow alongside his children.
Recently, he tweeted, "Crêpes breakfast for the girls" alongside pictures of his crepe-making setup, emphasizing how involved he is with his daughters’ preferences. The grins on his daughters’ faces make the effort worthwhile, as even though he occasionally jokes about his pancakes' taste, he admits, "Olympia thinks that's what pancakes look and taste like." To him, cooking symbolizes more than just preparing food; it’s about creating cherished memories.
Beyond family life, he remains active on social media, openly expressing support for his favorite sports teams, especially the Washington Commanders. After their NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which ended unfavorably for his team, Ohanian shared his thoughts. "Yes there were missed/suspect calls galore and they pissed me off, too, but that's part of the game and great teams overcome them. We’ll get there," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), demonstrating his passionate yet grounded perspective.
During this game, he critically observed how the Commanders struggled to contain key players like Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who was pivotal in the Eagles' commanding win of 55-23. Ohanian noted some game dynamics, reflecting the essence of being both a fan and a strategist. He expressed pride, saying, "Still, this season exceeded all my expectations and I’m so proud of this team." Even through disappointing moments, he remains motivated by his love for the sport and camaraderie with fans.
Through Ohanian's life events, both personal and professional, he projects the message of prioritizing health and nurturing family bonds. His experiences this year resonate with many, emphasizing how important it is to take care of oneself and cherish moments with loved ones. Whether it’s through heartfelt cooking or cheering on his sports teams, Ohanian exemplifies the joys and challenges of modern fatherhood.