Harris Faulkner’s Powerful Journey: Overcoming MS and Finding Strength in Her Body

For years, Fox News host Harris Faulkner has captivated viewers with her professionalism, intelligence, and unshakeable presence on screen. Yet behind the polished persona lies a personal struggle that many of her fans are unaware of. The Fox Report and The Faulkner Focus anchor has been dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 2005, and her journey with the disease is one of strength, resilience, and courage.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

It was in 2005, during an incredibly busy period in Faulkner’s career, that she experienced the first symptoms of MS. In the aftermath of one of the most active hurricane seasons in history, Faulkner was working long hours, feeling drained from the stress and exhaustion of covering the devastation. But what she didn’t know was that her body was already fighting a different kind of storm—one that would change her life forever.

“I remember it well,” Faulkner said, recalling how she woke up one morning to numbness in her feet and legs. “I couldn’t get out of bed. I had no idea what was wrong.”

The first doctor she saw was blunt and honest: “This could be anything from a slipped disc to multiple sclerosis. You need to see a neurologist.”

The possibility of MS was something Faulkner had never imagined. “MS? Isn’t that the wheelchair disease?” she thought. But after a battery of tests—including MRIs and a spinal tap—her worst fears were confirmed: she had MS. The diagnosis was devastating. The reality of having a chronic, incurable illness hit her hard, and she questioned what this meant for her future—her career, her personal life, everything.

The Pain of the Diagnosis and the Fight Ahead

In the early days following her diagnosis, Faulkner struggled with feelings of hopelessness. “At that moment, I thought my life was over,” she confessed. “My career would be finished. The man that I was dating would probably leave me. How would I support myself?” The uncertainty of MS, a disease that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body, brought fear and confusion into Faulkner’s life.

But rather than giving in to despair, Faulkner chose to fight. “I began researching and reading as much as I could on MS while trying to remain optimistic,” she said. “I was able to find a wonderful, kind MS doctor, and his nurse Jennifer was an angel in a white coat.”

The Role of MS in Her Strength

As she worked through her emotions, Faulkner began to embrace her diagnosis and the strength it brought. Her MS doctor, Jennifer, played a pivotal role in helping her through the darkest moments. “She would calm my fears while holding my hand—sharing stories of perseverance and how one day we would find a cure for this illness. Jen was a bright light in a diagnosis that seemed so dark.”

Throughout her journey, Faulkner came to realize that MS didn’t have to define her. She found hope and strength in the community of people living with MS who were not just surviving, but thriving. “There were people living with MS who were not just functioning—they were flourishing. That gave me hope.”

In the 13 years following her diagnosis, Faulkner made significant changes in her life. She learned to appreciate her body for what it could do, rather than focusing on its limitations. “I remind myself to be appreciative of the body that has supported me for 47 years,” she said, highlighting how important it was to cherish her physical form despite the challenges.

The Cruel Online Comment and Her Response

But just when it seemed like Faulkner was embracing her body and health, a cruel comment from an online stranger made her pause. While scrolling through her Facebook page, she stumbled upon a remark that left her in shock:

“Dear Janice, please stop allowing Fox to dress you in those short skirts. They are not flattering on you. You’re an attractive lady, love the 80’s hair, but your legs are distracting every time you walk on screen.”

The hurtful remark targeted her appearance, a personal attack on something she had worked so hard to accept. “I was shocked at how cruel it was,” she said. “This person had never met me but felt compelled to comment on my body.”

Instead of letting the comment affect her negatively, Faulkner responded directly and calmly:

“Hi JoAnn, Fox doesn’t dress me. I dress myself. I’m grateful I have them to walk with. You’re right. I don’t look like the typical person on TV, and I’m proud to be a size 10. Imagine that! You can always turn the channel if you’re offended by my huge legs. Hope you don’t mind. I may share your post with everyone on my FB page. All the best, Janice.”

This unapologetic response not only shut down the negativity but also took control of the situation in a way that showed resilience. But the moment didn’t end there.

The Beautiful Response from Her MS Nurse

Minutes after sharing her response, Faulkner received a message that turned her emotions around. It was from her MS nurse, Jen, who had supported her throughout her journey with MS. Jen’s words were a reminder of the strength Faulkner had built and the importance of embracing her body:

“Dear Janice, I LOVE those strong legs. I LOVE that you stand tall, walk, run, squat, lunge, skip, jump, and hop on those legs. You are blessed and a blessing to have STRONG legs!!! Wear skirts proudly and show your STRONG legs!!! Love you!”

With these words, Faulkner realized how far she had come. It wasn’t just about physical appearance—it was about strength, perseverance, and the journey of accepting herself. “That’s when tears started falling down my face,” she said. It was a powerful reminder that her body had been through so much, and yet, it had carried her through life’s challenges with grace and determination.

Living with MS: A Reminder of Resilience

Faulkner’s MS diagnosis will always be a part of her life, but she no longer lets it define her. There will always be reminders of her condition—its unpredictability, its toll on her immune system, and the potential for flare-ups. But those challenges have given her an inner strength she never expected.

Her body, which once seemed to be working against her, had become a symbol of resilience. “Living with MS has given me strength in ways I never imagined,” Faulkner shared. “So this too is a reminder. Be proud of this body. There’s so much more I want to do with it. And I will. With my head held high. On my big strong legs.”

A Message of Empowerment for All

Through her journey with MS, Faulkner has shown the world that true strength isn’t just physical—it’s about embracing the challenges life throws at you with grace and resilience. Her story is a powerful reminder to everyone—especially those dealing with chronic conditions—that our bodies are capable of incredible things, even when they seem to be working against us.

For Harris Faulkner, every challenge has been met with a determination to keep going. From her time in the spotlight to her quieter moments of reflection, she has shown that living with a diagnosis like MS is not about limitation—it’s about finding strength in the face of adversity and being proud of who you are.

Her story resonates not just for those living with MS, but for anyone facing personal struggles. Faulkner’s message is simple: Be proud of your body. Embrace the journey. And never let anything, or anyone, define your worth.