Christina Applegate, known for her role in Dead To Me, has shared insights into how her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis has affected her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie.
At 53, Applegate has been forthright about the significant changes MS has introduced to her life. She has previously referred to the condition as the most challenging ordeal she has faced.
Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by the deterioration of the protective sheath covering nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Applegate has openly discussed the intense pain she experiences due to the condition.
In a recent episode of her podcast, MeSsy, Applegate reflected on how her diagnosis has influenced not only her life but also greatly impacted her teenage daughter.
In a conversation with her co-host, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate said: “Sadie only knew me as healthy and a runner and a, you know, pelatoner and a dancer and she only knew that.”
Applegate, who was diagnosed in 2021, noted that Sadie initially reacted in a ‘stoic’ manner but has since observed changes in how her daughter perceives her.
She elaborated: “I see her look at me when I’m in bed and can’t quite move, or I want to go say good night 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.
“Like right now, I could barely get to the bathroom. It’s just the worst. But that’s neither here nor there. But… 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. And the more she’s gotten older now, I think the more it’s hurting her.”
Sigler agreed, highlighting that MS presents a ‘very harsh reality’ for children.
The star of Anchorman noted that her diagnosis followed closely on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, commenting: “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 continued: “I see it in her eyes. I see it. But you know what’s really beautiful? 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 and all this stuff. At home, she’s like, ‘Can you please go down and make my food cos you’re the only one who can make it.’ She’s like, ‘You’re going down all the steps.’ And I’m like, ‘Sadie, I can’t make it down the f**king steps.’
“But I do it. I do it because I know that she’s like checking in to make sure, can she still take care of me?”