Janice Dean Opens Up About Her Invisible Battle with Multiple Sclerosis on World MS Day

Uploaded image

Fox News’ Janice Dean has bravely shared her ongoing, invisible struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS), using World MS Day as a platform to offer a heartfelt message to those living with the condition. Dean, who was diagnosed with MS in 2005, has long kept her battle private, but her decision to speak out is a powerful reminder of the challenges many face with chronic illnesses that aren’t immediately visible to others.

The Invisible Illness

Describing MS as the “invisible illness,” Dean explained that despite looking perfectly fine on the outside—complete with her hair and makeup done—her body is silently attacking its central nervous system, including the brain and spine. She shared how MS disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, resulting in breakdowns that often don’t show up on the surface.

“I call it the ‘My, you look so well’ disease because we can look fine, but inside, the illness is actively working against us,” Dean said. “There’s a communication breakdown between the messages our brain sends to the rest of our body.”

Facing the Symptoms on World MS Day

In her candid message, Dean revealed that on World MS Day, she was feeling the very effects of MS—a condition she has worked tirelessly to manage. She described experiencing a sunburn sensation on the back of her neck, a symptom that often comes with MS but is not immediately visible to others.

“Even though we look okay on the surface, I got my hair and makeup done, I’m smiling on Fox & Friends—inside, it can be quite a challenge,” she shared, with a sigh. “Sometimes it’s tough to put on that smiling face, but we have to do it. And today, I wanted to thank all my fellow MS warriors who continue to move forward despite the challenges every single day.”

Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibers. This damage causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for MS, though treatments can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

As of the latest data, over 2.8 million people worldwide are living with multiple sclerosis, according to the National MS Society. For those affected, MS can create a wide range of physical and emotional challenges, many of which are hidden from the outside world.

The Power of Awareness

Janice Dean’s decision to speak publicly about her experience on World MS Day sheds much-needed light on the hidden struggles of MS patients. Her openness encourages empathy and understanding, not just for those with MS, but for anyone living with chronic, invisible conditions. In her message, Dean reminds us that despite the smiling faces and professional exteriors, there are many who are fighting silently every day.

“On this World MS Day, I am not just standing for myself but for every person who faces an invisible challenge,” Dean said. “Together, we move forward, and together, we raise awareness for those who need it most.”

Dean’s powerful message is not just a tribute to her own resilience, but a heartfelt call to the public to remember that appearances can be deceiving and that the battle faced by those with invisible illnesses is both real and significant. By sharing her story, she not only strengthens the MS community but also provides hope and solidarity to all those navigating their own health challenges in silence.

As Dana Perino once said, “One of the most important things we can do in this world is be kind to each other.” Dean’s openness is a poignant reminder of that truth.