Janice Dean, beloved Fox News personality, has become an inspiration for many as she opens up about her personal journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the resilience it took to thrive despite the challenges. Now 54, she reflects on the 20 years since her diagnosis and how it has shaped both her career and her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband, Sean Newman.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

In 2005, Dean was living her dream—new to Fox News and in a happy relationship—when unexplained fatigue began to take over. While she initially chalked it up to work stress, things took a turn during a visit to Ottawa. “I couldn’t get out of bed,” she recalls. “It felt like a weighted blanket was on me. I couldn’t feel the bottoms of my feet, and my thighs were numb.”

Her doctors’ diagnosis was nothing short of shocking: multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. For Dean, the news was devastating. She feared that her boyfriend, Sean, would leave, she’d end up in a wheelchair, and her career at Fox News would be over. “It felt like all my dreams were crashing down,” she said.

Overcoming Challenges with Support

Nearly 20 years later, Dean looks back with gratitude for the support system that has helped her through the toughest of times. Her relationship with Sean, who later became her husband in 2007, was a pillar of strength during her diagnosis. The couple has two sons, Matthew and Theodore, and their love story is one of resilience. Dean credits Sean with providing unwavering support through both her MS journey and her rise to prominence at Fox News.

In reflecting on their marriage, Dean expressed, “Looking back, I can honestly say that marrying Sean was the greatest blessing of my life. For years, I wondered if I’d ever find someone to truly share my life with. But when I reflect on the journey—every job I took, every city I lived in, every twist and turn—it all led me to him. Sean is the best man I know.”

Living with an Invisible Illness

Multiple sclerosis is often referred to as an “invisible illness” because those who suffer from it may not appear sick on the outside. Dean describes how the disease relentlessly attacks her nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain, spine, and the rest of the body. Yet, despite the severe internal challenges, she remains committed to her public persona, often putting on a brave face for her viewers.

“Even though we look okay on the surface—I’ve got my hair and makeup done, I’m smiling on Fox & Friends—inside can be quite a challenge,” she admits. She recognizes how difficult it is to maintain that composure, but she does it not only for her career but also as a way to honor those who face similar battles. “Sometimes it’s tough to put on that smiling face, but we have to do it,” she says. “And I wanted to, on this World MS Day, say thank you to all my fellow MS warriors who continue to move despite the challenges every day.”

A Resilient Partnership

Janice Dean’s story is not only about surviving a chronic illness; it’s also about thriving in the face of adversity with the help of a loving and dedicated partner. Sean Newman, a New York City firefighter and battalion chief, has been by her side through it all. Their relationship is a testament to enduring love and mutual support, both personally and professionally.

Reflecting on their marriage, Dean shares: “We still enjoy each other’s company, we laugh together easily, we share the same values, and we’re incredibly grateful for our two beautiful boys. I truly can’t imagine life without him.”

The Future: Embracing Life with Gratitude

As she continues to fight MS with the help of new treatments, Janice Dean feels stronger than ever. “I’m still standing,” she says, smiling. “Actually, better than standing. In some ways, I think I’m a better person because of the diagnosis. It helped me focus on what really matters—your health, your family, and your support system.”

Through her journey, Dean has become a prominent advocate in the MS community, using her story to connect with others who are facing similar battles. Her strength and grace in the face of an invisible illness inspire not only her fans but also anyone dealing with challenges of their own.

Dean’s life and career are defined not only by her work at Fox News but by the love and resilience she shares with her family. As she continues to navigate the ups and downs of living with MS, her story remains a powerful reminder that with support, perseverance, and a positive outlook, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest of challenges.