TV personality Maria Menounos turned 40 Friday. In an Instagram she posted of herself with her dog, the Medford native reflected on her birthday last year, the day she had surgery to remove a golf-ball-size brain tumor.

“I wake up today and a year ago on this day I celebrated a birthday,’’ Menounos wrote in the caption. “This year however I celebrate it OUT of a hospital. I’m so thankful to be healthy and happy today as I turn 40. God blessed me with a new lease on life.’’

She added, “This last year I’ve been healing physically . . . but also emotionally and spiritually. I’ve also been helping others in their brain tumor journeys and it’s been a great blessing to do so. I’ve spent time — quality time — with my friends and family like I’ve never done before.’’

Later in the post, Menounos added, “Today, one year later I know I not only survived, I thrived.’’ JESSICA KASPARIAN (Boston.com)