Janice Dean, a prominent meteorologist for Fox News, has captivated audiences not only with her weather forecasts but also with her openness about her personal battles. Her journey encompasses a decade-long fight with multiple sclerosis (MS), a struggle with body image issues, and ultimately, a path toward self-acceptance and strength.
The Initial Shock: Diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis
In 2005, Dean experienced her first MS episode, a moment she vividly recalls. Following an intense hurricane season, she sought rest, only to awaken with numbness in her feet and legs, rendering her nearly immobile. A blunt but honest doctor suggested the possibilities ranged from a slipped disc to multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by lesions on her brain and spine, leading her to believe her life and career were over.
Dean describes her initial reaction to the diagnosis, "At that moment I thought my life was over. My career would be finished. The man that I was dating would probably leave me."
Finding Hope and Support
Despite her initial fears, Dean began researching MS and sought medical assistance. She found a compassionate MS doctor and his nurse, Jennifer, who provided reassurance and shared stories of perseverance. In the 13 years following her diagnosis, Dean has focused on reducing stress and appreciating her body.
Body Image Struggles and a Turning Point
Weight and body image had been a lifelong struggle for Dean. However, her MS diagnosis shifted her perspective. She resolved to appreciate her body, which had carried her through 47 years, allowing her to walk down the aisle with her supportive husband.
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An incident involving an online troll criticizing her appearance became a turning point. The commenter suggested Dean's skirts were unflattering and that a younger, thinner woman could replace her. Dean responded with defiance, stating, "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."
Her MS nurse, Jen, further encouraged her, writing, "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!!!"
The Impact of MS on Daily Life
Dean's MS, an invisible illness, presents daily challenges. Despite appearing vibrant on television, she battles symptoms as her body attacks the central nervous system. This disruption causes communication problems between the brain and body. MS symptoms can include numbness or weakness in the limbs, fatigue, lack of coordination, blurry vision, and an unsteady gait.
Dean emphasizes that "MS really doesn’t present itself in a lot of ways. I call it the invisible illness…We can be looking fine - I got my hair and makeup done - but inside of us, our bodies are attacking the central nervous system between the brain and the spine. There’s a communication breakdown between the message sent from the brain to the rest of the body."
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) around nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society identifies several types of MS:
- Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): A single neurological episode lasting 24 hours or less, considered a precursor to MS.
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form, characterized by flare-ups followed by periods of remission.
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): A steady decline in function without flare-ups or remissions.
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): A progression from RRMS to PPMS.
Other symptoms include mood changes and mental and physical fatigue.
Managing MS: Treatments and Therapies
While there is no cure for MS, various treatments help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include wheelchairs, canes, leg braces, and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs can slow disease progression and disability through injectable agents, infusions, or oral medications. Chemotherapy can also be effective in slowing down disease activity.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), a bone marrow transplant using the patient's own cells, has shown promise in resetting the immune system. Studies suggest AHSCT can reduce relapse rates and disease progression, particularly in RRMS patients.
Finding Strength Through Adversity
Dean's journey also includes dealing with a rare congenital hip disorder called femoral retroversion, which caused significant pain and required surgery. A complication during surgery led to months of excruciating pain and the inability to walk. This experience gave her a new appreciation for her legs and their ability to function.
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Inspired by Lauren Wasser's story of leg amputation, Dean realized the importance of valuing her own physical abilities. Through extensive physical therapy, she regained strength and mobility, eventually fulfilling her dream of creating a workout DVD.
A New Career Path: From Broadcasting to Meteorology and Authorship
Dean's career path has been diverse. She initially worked in radio before transitioning to television, where she became a weather forecaster. To formalize her expertise, she returned to school and earned the American Meteorological Society (AMS) seal of approval in 2009.
Her passion for weather and educating children led her to write the "Freddy the Frogcaster" series of children's books. These books cover various weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, and flash floods. Freddy the Frogcaster is also an ambassador for NOAA’s Weather Ready Nation program.
Dean's Message: Optimism and Resilience
Dean's experiences have shaped her perspective on life. She emphasizes the importance of optimism, resilience, and gratitude. She encourages others to embrace their bodies, prioritize their health, and find joy in everyday moments.
In her book "Mostly Sunny," Dean shares her personal stories of overcoming challenges, including her MS diagnosis, body image struggles, and a home invasion. She hopes her experiences will inspire others to persevere through difficult times and find their own "sunny side of the street."
Dean's message is clear: "The sun always comes out after the storm." By sharing her journey, she offers hope and encouragement to those facing their own battles, reminding them to never give up.