Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean is not just a well-known face on Fox & Friends—she’s also become a beacon of resilience, courage, and unwavering strength. After battling multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly two decades, Dean has transformed her personal struggle into a source of inspiration for millions. Her powerful journey, one of perseverance and growth, continues to redefine what it means to fight through adversity and use one’s platform to help others.

A Shocking Diagnosis: The Beginning of an Unexpected Battle

In the fall of 2005, Dean’s life seemed to be in full swing. At 35, she had just landed her role at Fox News, and everything seemed perfect. But a series of unexplained symptoms—extreme fatigue, numbness, and a sensation of heaviness—changed everything. During a trip to her hometown of Ottawa to introduce her boyfriend, now-husband Sean Newman, to her family, the symptoms became overwhelming.

“I woke up one morning and literally couldn’t get out of bed,” Dean recalled. “It was like nothing I had ever felt before. It was as if I had this weighted blanket on me. I couldn’t feel the bottoms of my feet and had this weird numbness in my thighs.” What began as a nagging feeling soon turned into a life-altering diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

Dean, initially in shock, feared the worst. “It was the shock of a lifetime,” she said. “I remember just feeling like everything was going to end—my job, my life as I knew it. I feared I wouldn’t be able to walk, and I was terrified that my boyfriend would leave me.” At the time, the diagnosis seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, but little did she know that it would be the start of an inspiring journey.

Coping with MS: From Doubt to Strength

The early days of Dean’s diagnosis were filled with doubt and fear. Doctors told her that the road ahead would be tough, and there was no guarantee of stability. The notion of losing her ability to walk was one of the hardest things to digest. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do my job, and the idea of becoming incapacitated was terrifying,” she explained.

However, with the support of her family, including her husband, Dean found the strength to push forward. Through treatment, including intravenous infusions and other interventions, she was able to keep flare-ups under control. Over time, Dean transformed from a woman overwhelmed by the diagnosis to an advocate for herself and others with MS.

Dr. Tracy DeAngelis, Dean’s neurologist, praised her resilience, stating, “Janice is a warrior. She doesn’t let MS control her life. She listens to her body, rests when she needs to, and is a fierce advocate for herself and others.”

Sharing Her Story: From TV Anchor to MS Advocate

Dean has been remarkably open about her struggles, using her platform to raise awareness and support others battling MS. “The more I prayed, the more I talked to God, the more I was honest about my struggle, the more I found the village that came along,” she said, reflecting on the invaluable support system she had built. Through social media and public speaking, she connected with others diagnosed with MS, offering words of encouragement and hope.

“People reached out to me after I started talking about my journey,” Dean said. “I know what it’s like to feel like your life is going to be over. I had Neil Cavuto, who had been diagnosed with MS, and he told me, ‘You’re going to be okay.’ I try to give that same message to others.”

Dean’s decision to speak publicly about her disease has had a profound impact on her fans. Many share how seeing her on TV, smiling despite her condition, gives them the strength to continue fighting their own battles.

A Family’s Support: Navigating Parenthood with MS

Dean’s role as a mother has added another layer of complexity to her MS journey. She and Sean welcomed their two sons, Matthew (2009) and Theodore (2011), into their lives, and Dean found that pregnancy often provided a temporary respite from the severity of her MS symptoms. “We don’t know why, but women who are pregnant with MS rarely have big flare-ups,” she explained. However, raising young children while managing a chronic illness still posed challenges.

Explaining her diagnosis to her children was one of the most emotional parts of her journey. Fortunately, their elementary school teacher, who also had MS, helped facilitate the conversation. “Matthew came home one day and told me about Mrs. Klein, his teacher, and how she explained to the class that she had MS. She was in a wheelchair, but she still did everything she loved. I knew then that I could explain to my boys that I had the same condition.”

Dean’s children, Matthew and Theodore, took the news in stride, with their biggest concern being whether their mom would need a wheelchair. Dean’s response was simple: “It’s possible, but would that matter?” Matthew’s heartwarming response, “No, because we would just ride on the wheelchair,” showcased the innocent optimism that has helped her navigate the challenges of MS.

The Daily Struggles: Living with MS

Though Dean is currently managing her symptoms well, she is constantly vigilant. The relapsing-remitting form of MS she has means that flare-ups are followed by periods of remission, but Dean knows that her condition could change at any moment. “I could wake up one day and not be able to walk,” she said. “That’s just the craziness of this disease. So every day that I’m able to get up and walk is something I’m truly grateful for.”

She also takes special care to avoid triggers, such as excessive heat, which is known to worsen MS symptoms. “The sun and the heat are like kryptonite for me,” she said, explaining how she avoids outdoor activities in hot weather. This cautionary approach to managing her health allows her to live a fulfilling life despite the uncertainty that comes with MS.

Looking to the Future: A Message of Hope

Janice Dean’s journey has been one of incredible strength, but also one of vulnerability and grace. Her openness about her battle with MS has inspired countless individuals, offering them a sense of solidarity and hope. As she continues to advocate for others with MS, she is also learning to appreciate the little things that many people take for granted.

“If you see somebody doing something, even though they might be dealing with something else, you feel hopeful, right?” Dean said, reflecting on the power of being a role model. “I’ve heard people say, ‘I see you on TV with a big smile on your face, and that makes me feel that I can do it too.’”

For Dean, it’s about showing up each day, facing the challenges of MS with grace, and continuing to spread hope through her work and her personal journey.

“My greatest takeaway from all of this?” Dean said. “You can only take it one moment at a time. And every day that I get to walk, every day that I get to be with my family, I’m grateful. That’s all you can do—appreciate today.”

Through her fight against MS, Janice Dean has become a symbol of strength and perseverance, showing that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to find joy, hope, and purpose. Her journey continues to inspire, reminding us all that with love, support, and determination, we can overcome life’s toughest challenges.