In a deeply emotional revelation that has left fans and colleagues stunned, Fox News meteorologist and anchor Janice Dean has shared the heartbreaking news of a serious medical diagnosis affecting her legs — one that may impact both her career and day-to-day life in unexpected ways.
Known for her resilience, positivity, and outspoken advocacy, Dean has faced public challenges before, including a well-documented battle with multiple sclerosis. But this latest medical development has been described by sources close to her as a “new and devastating chapter.”
The Diagnosis
In a segment aired during Fox & Friends and later expanded upon in an emotional post on her personal blog, Dean revealed she had recently been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a progressive and often painful condition that affects the veins in the legs, reducing blood flow and causing swelling, discomfort, and mobility challenges.
“I’ve lived with chronic pain before, but this is different,” Dean wrote. “This affects my ability to walk, to stand, to be out in the world the way I’m used to.”
She also revealed that she had been dealing with increasingly severe symptoms over the past year, including numbness, sharp pain, and visible swelling, but initially chalked them up to her MS. It wasn’t until further testing was done earlier this summer that doctors confirmed the additional condition.
A Private Battle Becomes Public
Though Dean is no stranger to medical adversity — having battled MS for nearly two decades — this new diagnosis represents a separate and compounding challenge, especially as it directly affects her physical mobility and ability to broadcast live.
According to a source at Fox News, Dean had already begun reducing her on-camera hours over the last few weeks and had turned down several remote assignments due to worsening leg pain.
“Janice is a fighter, but this one hit hard,” said a senior producer at the network. “She’s one of the most positive people we know — but even she’s allowed to be shaken.”
How She’s Coping
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Dean has made it clear she intends to stay active, stay vocal, and stay on the air — even if she has to adapt how she works.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “But I am learning to pace myself. I have to listen to my body — something I haven’t always been good at doing.”
She also thanked her husband, Sean Newman, and their two sons for being her “rock,” and praised the outpouring of support she’s received from fans, friends, and even strangers who relate to her struggle.
In typical Janice fashion, she ended her blog post with a glimmer of hope:
“If sharing this journey helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI is a long-term condition in which the veins in the legs can’t properly pump blood back to the heart. It can be caused by varicose veins, blood clots, or simply wear and tear on the valves in the veins. Over time, this leads to pain, swelling, fatigue, and sometimes even ulcers or skin discoloration.
While CVI isn’t life-threatening, it is often debilitating, especially when combined with another condition like MS. Treatments vary — from compression therapy and medications to invasive procedures — but there is no outright cure.
Medical experts say that managing the condition early and carefully is key to preventing long-term complications, including limited mobility or dependency on walking aids.
What This Means for Her Career
So far, Fox News has not made any formal announcements about Dean’s status, and insiders suggest the network is fully supportive of her health journey. In fact, there is talk of expanding her role behind the scenes, with potential podcast segments, advocacy work, and pre-recorded specials that can allow Dean to work on her own schedule.
More importantly, she remains a powerful voice in national media — one that fans are rooting for.
“Janice is a symbol of strength for so many people, especially women dealing with chronic illness,” said journalist and friend Megyn Kelly. “Her voice matters now more than ever.”
A Personal Turning Point
While the diagnosis may change how she works, it has only strengthened Dean’s commitment to honest, unfiltered storytelling and advocacy for health awareness.
In recent years, she has become a vocal critic of government health policy, particularly in New York State’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s expected that her latest health battle will further fuel her passion for transparency, accessibility, and patient rights.
Final Thoughts
Janice Dean may be facing her hardest battle yet — but if her past resilience is any indicator, she won’t be backing down.
As she told her followers:
“Yes, I have a diagnosis. But I also have purpose. And that’s what I’ll keep holding onto.”
For her fans, her colleagues, and the countless individuals living with invisible illness, Janice Dean’s fight is personal — and powerfully public.