If you’ve lived in Chicago anytime over the last thirty years, Roz Varon was basically your morning compass. She was the one who told you which expressway was a "parking lot" and how to actually get to work on time. But beyond the traffic maps and the "1 Tank Trips," there was a deeply personal story she shared with us—her bond with her daughter, Sara.
Lately, there has been a lot of confusion and searching regarding roz varon daughter health. People remember Sara appearing on screen as a baby, then a teenager, and eventually a successful young woman in her own right.
Honestly, the news from early 2025 was the kind of thing that stops you in your tracks.
What Really Happened with Sara Janz?
Sara Beth Janz, Roz’s only child, passed away unexpectedly in early January 2025. She was only 29 years old.
It’s heartbreaking. Truly.
She had just started a new chapter of her life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband, Staff Sergeant Darien Jackson. For those who followed Roz's retirement in April 2024, you might remember her saying her only real plan was to visit Sara as much as possible. She wanted to catch up on sleep and be a mom.
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Then, less than a year into that retirement, the unthinkable happened.
The "medical event" was sudden. Reports from ABC7 and local Chicago outlets described it as an unexpected medical complication. While the family has kept specific clinical details private—which is totally their right—the impact was immediate and devastating for the Chicago media community.
A Legacy Beyond the Headlines
Sara wasn’t just "Roz Varon’s daughter." She was a force in the television industry herself.
She didn't just ride her mom's coattails. She worked. She was a freelance photographer and a huge part of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Chicago/Midwest Chapter.
- She helped found the NATAS Junior Board.
- She was a former scholarship recipient who actually gave back.
- She was known for her "tireless efforts" to make sure younger voices in media were heard.
When someone young passes away, people often look for a "why." But in this case, the focus from the family has been on the "what now."
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How Roz Varon is Honoring Her Daughter
Instead of retreating entirely, Roz did what she’s always done—she turned a personal battle into a way to help others.
You probably know Roz is a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor. She’s spent years advocating for cancer awareness. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into the Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship Fund.
There have been benefit concerts like "Stars for Sara" at the Des Plaines Theatre and even Pilates fundraisers. It’s all aimed at helping students at Columbia College Chicago (Roz’s alma mater) who are pursuing careers in media.
It’s a way to keep Sara’s name on the credits, so to speak.
Why This Matters Now
In 2026, as we look back, the story of roz varon daughter health isn't really about a diagnosis or a clinical report. It’s about the fragility of those "retirement plans" we all make.
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It’s a reminder that even the people we see on our screens every morning, who seem to have it all figured out, deal with the same gut-wrenching losses we do.
Actionable Ways to Support the Cause
If you’re looking for a way to turn your concern into something tangible, here is what you can actually do:
- Support the Scholarship: The NATAS Chicago Foundation manages the Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship. You can contribute through Columbia College Chicago or the NATAS Midwest website. This directly funds the next generation of Chicago storytellers.
- Stay Informed on Health Advocacy: Roz continues to be a vocal advocate for health screenings. If her story teaches us anything, it’s that being proactive about your own health is the best gift you can give your family.
- Share the Legacy: Instead of searching for tragic details, share Sara’s work or the news of the scholarship.
The Chicago TV family is tight-knit. When one of their own hurts, the whole city feels it. Roz Varon spent 35 years helping us navigate the roads; now, the community is helping her navigate this much tougher path.
To help keep the memory of Sara Janz alive, consider donating to the NATAS Chicago Foundation or participating in upcoming Chicago-area fundraisers hosted by the Varon family. These events are frequently updated on Roz Varon’s official social media pages and the ABC7 Chicago community outreach sections.