Living with a chronic illness is never easy—but when you’re also a parent trying to stay strong for your child, the emotional weight can be overwhelming.
Christina Applegate recently opened up about just how deeply her battle with multiple sclerosis has impacted her life, and how one heartbreaking comment from her daughter Sadie left her reeling.
A Daughter’s Words That Cut Deep
During a recent appearance on Kelly Ripa’s podcast Let’s Talk Off Camera, Christina shared a deeply personal moment between her and her 14-year-old daughter Sadie.
They had gotten into an emotional argument when Sadie said something that stopped Christina in her tracks:
“I miss you who were before you got sick.”
That moment, Christina admitted, “was like a knife to the heart.”
She completely understood where Sadie was coming from—because she misses that version of herself too.
“Every day, I grieve who I used to be,” she confessed. “It’s a huge loss.”
Living for Sadie, Even on the Hard Days
Despite the physical and emotional challenges of MS, Christina says Sadie gives her the strength to keep pushing forward.
“She’s the reason I still get up in the morning.
She’s why I try,” Christina said, holding back tears.
Their bond is unbreakable, and Christina is determined to be there for her daughter, no matter how much her body tries to betray her.
Two Women, One Shared Battle
Christina wasn’t alone on the podcast episode.
She appeared alongside her MeSsy podcast co-host and fellow MS warrior, Jamie-Lynn Sigler—best known for her role in The Sopranos.
Both women have turned their personal struggles into a platform for honesty, humor, and hope, connecting with others who live with chronic illness.
Sadie’s Own Health Struggles Come to Light
Sadie, it turns out, is also battling her own health issues.
Christina previously revealed that her daughter was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)—a condition that makes her heart race and causes extreme dizziness when she stands up, especially in hot weather.
“When I stand up, I get really, really dizzy.
My legs get weak, and I feel like I’m going to pass out,” Sadie explained in an earlier episode of her mom’s podcast.
Christina’s Journey Through Health Battles
Long before her MS diagnosis in 2021, Christina had already faced multiple health challenges.
Back in 2008, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
Earlier in her career, she also struggled with anorexia—issues she’s been candid about over the years.
Despite the adversity, Christina continues to find ways to express herself, including through a memoir that’s set to be released next March by Little, Brown and Company.
Finding Light in Dark Thoughts
Christina has never shied away from being raw and real—even when her thoughts veer into difficult territory.
At one point, she made headlines by saying on her podcast:
“I don’t enjoy living. I don’t enjoy it. I don’t enjoy things anymore.”
Understandably, fans were worried. But she later clarified that sharing those dark feelings was part of her healing process.
“It’s important to talk about this stuff,” she insisted.
“By acting like these thoughts shouldn’t exist, we make others feel like they have to hide them too.”
A Bucket List With Heart and Humor
Even amid the hard days, Christina is still dreaming—and dreaming big.
Last year, she shared some of the things she wants to do with the time she has left.
“I want to work with Shirley MacLaine. I want to do shots with Cher!” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “My days are big. Just saying.”
Family, Honesty, and the Fight to Keep Going
Christina shares Sadie with her husband Martyn LeNoble, a Dutch bassist best known for playing with the rock band Porno for Pyros.
Together, they’re navigating the storm as a family.
Through vulnerability, Christina is helping others understand the emotional toll of chronic illness—and reminding everyone that behind every strong woman is a story full of pain, courage, and love.