Tarek El Moussa Reflects on His Battle with Cancer and Life Lessons Learned

Real estate expert and HGTV personality Tarek El Moussa faced the daunting challenge of battling two distinct types of cancer in his early 30s. His experience not only tested his resilience but also shifted his perspective on life and family.

El Moussa candidly shared his health struggles during an interview with Fox News Digital, revealing the profound impact of his battle with cancer. He noted, “Man, cancer is a scary word. And when you’re facing cancer, you know there’s always that potential of death.” Now at the age of 43, El Moussa is living a full life after his health challenges.

He emphasized the emotional toll of facing mortality, saying, “When you’re staring death in the face, it makes you really, really realize what life is about and what you should be grateful for.” This realization became especially poignant for him as he contemplated his role as a father.

The Fear of Leaving Family Behind

For El Moussa, the darkest aspect of his cancer journey was the fear of not being there for his family, particularly for his daughter, Taylor, who was just a baby at the time. “The scariest part for me was not knowing if I was going to live or die,” he recalled. This uncertainty loomed large as he navigated the challenges of parenthood while undergoing treatment.

Diagnoses and Recovery Journey

In 2013, El Moussa received a thyroid cancer diagnosis, which was first noticed by a fan who saw a lump on his neck during a show. Shortly thereafter, he was also diagnosed with testicular cancer. Reflecting on this double diagnosis, he remarked, “I wasn’t only diagnosed with one cancer; it turned out in my early 30s I had two cancers.”

El Moussa announced his cancer-free status in 2019, expressing immense gratitude for his recovery. “Fortunately, it’s been 10 years. I’m in remission from both cancers, I’m thriving, the kids are thriving, and we made it,” he stated, highlighting his victory over adversity.

A Transformative Experience

The ordeal fundamentally changed El Moussa’s outlook on life. He shared, “Through my experiences of being sick, it’s given me this level of gratitude that I don’t think I would have had if I didn’t go through such awful experiences.” His brush with death instilled a deeper appreciation for everyday moments and family connections.

While grappling with his health, El Moussa’s marriage to then-wife Christina Haack began to deteriorate. Their relationship faced immense strain, culminating in their announcement of separation in 2016. They had been married for seven years before finalizing their divorce in 2018.

Co-Parenting and New Beginnings

Despite their split, El Moussa and Haack have maintained a cooperative co-parenting situation for their two children. Today, El Moussa works alongside his current wife, Heather Rae Young, in their new HGTV show, “The Flip Off.” The couple tied the knot in 2024 and welcomed their son, Tristan, in January 2023.

Life in the Public Eye

Recently, El Moussa spoke about one of the more unusual aspects of his life—working on a show with both his current and former wives. “What’s the most awkward situation? Well, that would be filming a show with my wife and my ex-wife. I don’t think it gets any more awkward than that,” he quipped, adding a humorous twist to an otherwise complicated situation.

Fans of the reality star have noted the striking resemblance between Heather and Haack, leading to amusing miscommunications. He recounted a moment when he mistakenly called Heather by his ex-wife’s name. “I did get in a little bit of trouble,” he said with a laugh, recounting the lighthearted blunder and the unique dynamics of his family life.

Challenges of Filming

Filming a reality show requires navigating interpersonal complexities, particularly when ex-spouses and current partners are involved. El Moussa described the humorous moments that arise from this unique setup. “There was this one time I was sending a video and I accidentally called my amazing, beautiful, adorable wife, Heather, Christina,” he explained, emphasizing the challenges of blending family and work.

In a light-hearted social media video, Heather jokingly shared that their contractor had once referred to her as Christina, adding to the fun of their unconventional family dynamic. El Moussa responded with humor, remarking, “I did that one time, and I’m lucky to be alive.”

Future Ventures

As he moves forward, El Moussa remains focused on his career in real estate. He is set to launch a new season of his solo series, “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa,” where he mentors aspiring real estate investors. With over 1,000 profitable sales to his name, he aims to guide novices in the industry, sharing invaluable insights on successful flipping strategies and how to avoid pitfalls.

The fourth season of “Flipping 101” is available on HGTV, Max, and Discovery+, where viewers can glean lessons from El Moussa’s experience and expertise.

A Journey of Growth and Resilience

El Moussa’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of perspective. His experiences have fostered a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for his loved ones, reminding us all of the value of family, life, and the lessons that come from facing our deepest fears. Through his journey, he illustrates that even in the face of profound challenges, there lies the potential for growth and renewed purpose.