Having said that, I also think it is important being a broadcaster to be able to use the bright lights, the microphone and the written word to communicate and lead by example. I find nowadays, there hasn't been enough of that. Media has (lately) been used to show the mean and sad side of the world today. The focus has shifted to celebrities-gone-wild, and their downward spiral to presidential candidates who will do or say anything to make themselves look better than their running mates. It's depressing, and maybe one of the things that has motivated me to do better. Luckily, some of us can still use those bright lights, a microphone and my laptop for a better purpose.
So here it is - no fancy lights or flashy graphics: I have Multiple Sclerosis.
I join about 400,000 Americans that are diagnosed with this strange and scary disease every year (the MS Society says a person is diagnosed once every hour). I have been pretty open around family and friends about this since I first became aware of it 2-1/2 years ago, but I was always a fearful to let anyone else in on my deep, dark secret. You can imagine why this might terrify me to go public because of the stigma it carries and the uncertainty of how this disease may affect me in the future. It was much easier just being called "Janice Dean the Weather Machine" instead of possibly "the lady that has MS."
But I'm fine with that now. Instead of remaining silent, I would like to be a voice for those who don't have one. Maybe even give someone hope that they too can have this disease and still fulfill their dreams.