In 2005, Janice Dean, Fox News meteorologist, faced a diagnosis that would forever alter her life — multiple sclerosis (MS). At the time, she had no idea that a neurological storm had been building in her body for years. The diagnosis was overwhelming and life-altering, but her response would prove to be one of resilience, strength, and self-empowerment.

It all started during the peak of one of the most active hurricane seasons in history, in 2005. After a whirlwind of major storms, including Dennis, Katrina, and Rita, Dean was already physically drained. She was working long hours and was emotionally affected by the destruction unfolding around the world. Little did she know, her body was grappling with something more personal — a neurological battle that would soon make itself known.

The First Symptoms: A Shocking Wake-Up Call

The first sign that something was wrong came on her first day off in what felt like forever. Dean woke up to a strange sensation: numbness in her feet and legs. She could barely get out of bed. At first, she had no idea what was happening.

When she went to see the doctor, the blunt diagnosis hit hard:
“This could be anything from a slipped disc to multiple sclerosis. You need to see a neurologist,” the doctor said.

Her first thought was MS? The wheelchair disease?

She proceeded with the tests — MRIs and a spinal tap — that would confirm the diagnosis: lesions on her brain and spine. The spinal tap revealed a protein specific to MS patients.

At that moment, Dean’s world was turned upside down. MS is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, and she was now part of that unpredictable journey.

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Fears and Hope

Initially, Dean couldn’t help but wonder: What’s next?
Would her career be over? Would she be able to live a fulfilling life? Could she continue her work on television? The flood of questions and doubts overwhelmed her.

But as she started researching and learning about MS, she found hope. Her MS doctor and his angel of a nurse, Jen, became a source of comfort and encouragement. Jen would hold her hand, share stories of resilience, and assure her that with time, there would be hope for a cure.

During this period, Dean also met people who lived with MS, people who were not just surviving, but thriving.

A Shift in Perspective: Embracing Strength

Over the next 13 years, Dean took a positive approach to living with MS. Despite facing unpredictable flare-ups, she found strength not only in medicine but also in embracing her body’s capabilities. The body-image issues she had dealt with since childhood — the teasing about her curvy figure and weight struggles — became less important. Instead, she learned to appreciate the body that carried her through every challenge.

She walked down the aisle to marry the love of her life, who had stood by her side since her diagnosis. She gave birth to two children, and her body had supported her every step of the way.

The Cruel Comment: An Internet Troll Strikes

But even when life seemed to be going well, online criticism still found its way to her. Dean, browsing through Facebook, stumbled upon a cruel comment:
“Dear Janice, please stop allowing Fox to dress you in those short skirts. They are not flattering on you. Your legs are distracting every time you walk on screen.”

The comment hit hard. It was hurtful and cruel, especially coming from someone who had never met her, but still felt entitled to judge her body. But instead of letting the comment silence her, Dean responded with poise:

“Hi JoAnn,
Fox doesn’t dress me. I dress myself. I’m sorry if you don’t like my legs. 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.”

The internet was quick to react. But the most heartwarming response came from Jen, her MS nurse, who wrote:

“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!”

The Moment of Realization: A New Perspective

In that instant, Dean felt a wave of emotional release. Tears began to fall as she read Jen’s message. Through the lens of MS, she had learned to appreciate her body for the strength it possessed. Her legs, once a source of insecurity, were now a symbol of resilience.

Living with MS, there would always be moments of vulnerability. The unpredictability of the illness meant that each day was different — but there was one thing she had learned for sure: she was grateful. Grateful for the legs that carried her through life, for the body that had stood the test of time, and for the people who supported her along the way.

Embracing the Future with Confidence

As she continued her journey with MS, Dean remained optimistic, knowing that the disease might still surprise her in ways she couldn’t anticipate. But no matter what happened next, she would always stand tall — on her big, strong legs.