Christina Applegate reveals how her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis has impacted her daughter, Sadie. In a candid conversation, she shares how the condition has changed their relationship and Sadie’s role in supporting her.
Christina Applegate, known for her roles in Dead to Me and Anchorman, has been open about the struggles she’s faced since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The 53-year-old actress has described MS as “the worst thing she’s ever gone through,” and the condition has deeply affected not only her life but also the lives of her family—particularly her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie.
MS, which causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, leads to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Applegate has bravely shared the “unimaginable” pain she’s endured and the profound impact on her day-to-day life. In a recent episode of her podcast, MeSsy, Applegate opened up about how MS has affected her relationship with Sadie, explaining how the condition has “broken” her daughter.
Sadie’s Adjustment to Her Mother’s Diagnosis
Speaking with her co-host, The Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate reflected on how her daughter, who had always known her as an active and healthy mother, is now forced to see her in a very different light.
“Sadie only knew me as healthy and a runner and a pelotoner and a dancer, and she only knew that,” Applegate said. When she was diagnosed with MS in 2021, Sadie was initially “stoic” about the news, but over time, the reality of her mother’s condition began to take a toll on her.
“I see her look at me when I’m in bed and can’t quite move, or I want to go say goodnight to her in her room, but I can’t quite get down the hallway for whatever reason that my legs aren’t working that day,” Applegate shared. “It’s broken her, you know, and she didn’t know this. It was like losing the mom she had to this f**king thing.”
The Emotional Impact of MS on Both Mother and Daughter
Applegate went on to explain how her daughter’s growing understanding of her condition has deepened her emotional pain. “The more she’s gotten older now, I think the more it’s hurting her,” she said. Sigler, who is also living with MS, added that MS is a “very harsh reality” for children, who are often confused and hurt by the changes in their parents’ health.
Applegate noted that her diagnosis came just after the Covid-19 pandemic, which had already changed so many aspects of life for families. “We had just gone through Covid and no school and all this stuff, and now mommy can’t do all the things that she used to be able to do,” she said.
Sadie’s Support and Resilience
Despite the challenges, Applegate shared a touching moment of support from Sadie. “When we’re out, she knows I’m having such a hard time because I have such anxiety about being out. And she’s always got my arm. She’s always trying to help me through and help me with my cane,” Applegate said.
However, there are also moments of tension, particularly when Sadie expects her to perform tasks she can no longer do. “At home, she’s like, ‘Can you please go down and make my food? You’re the only one who can make it,’” Applegate said, recounting how her daughter still relies on her for everyday tasks. Despite her own physical limitations, Applegate pushes herself to help her daughter, knowing that Sadie is just checking in to make sure she is still able to care for her.
“It’s beautiful, but it’s also heartbreaking,” Applegate said.
A Glimpse Into Applegate’s Life with MS
Christina Applegate’s candid reflections on her struggles with MS and her daughter’s emotional journey offer a powerful look at the realities of living with a chronic illness. As she continues to navigate the challenges of MS, Applegate has become an inspiration to many for her bravery in facing her health battles head-on while still being a loving mother.
