Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean has bravely opened up about her nearly two-decade-long battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), offering a moving message of strength, support, and solidarity for others fighting the “invisible illness.”

Dean, a familiar and beloved face on Fox & Friends, was first diagnosed with MS in 2005. Since then, she’s quietly navigated the daily, often unseen challenges posed by the chronic illness, even while maintaining her vibrant public presence.

In a recent heartfelt message shared on World MS Day, Dean spoke candidly about what she calls “the invisible illness,” which often leaves sufferers misunderstood by those around them. “It’s the ‘My, you look so well’ disease,” she explained poignantly, highlighting the gap between appearances and the reality beneath the surface.

“Even if someone appears put together—hair styled, makeup flawless—the truth is, their central nervous system might be under relentless attack,” she emphasized. MS disrupts communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, bringing unpredictable symptoms that can be hidden yet deeply painful.

Dean herself revealed a stark truth during her emotional update: even while speaking out publicly, she was actively experiencing symptoms of her MS. “Today, on World MS Day, I’m feeling it—my symptoms are flaring,” she confessed with remarkable vulnerability, making her message resonate even more deeply.

The weather anchor described one of her persistent, unseen symptoms—a sensation like a continuous, burning sunburn on the back of her neck. “On television, it might seem easy—I have my hair done, makeup perfect, smiling warmly for viewers—but inside, it can be incredibly tough,” she admitted, highlighting the struggle many others face daily.

Yet, despite the pain and discomfort, Janice Dean delivered a powerful message of gratitude and encouragement, praising fellow MS warriors for their strength and resilience. “It’s not always easy putting on a smiling face, but we keep going. Today, especially, I want to thank all of you fighting this battle alongside me,” she shared emotionally.

MS remains a serious, incurable illness affecting over 2.8 million people worldwide, according to the National MS Society. Although no cure exists yet, Dean’s courage and positivity provide strength and visibility to countless others enduring this hidden battle.

Through her honesty and determination, Janice Dean continues to inspire, reminding the world that behind an invisible illness stands an unbreakable spirit.