Christina Applegate admits her debilitating MS battle has ‘broken’ her daughter: ‘I see it in her eyes’

Christina Applegate has revealed that her battle with multiple sclerosis has deeply affected her 14-year-old daughter, Sadie, describing how the illness has ‘broken’ her emotionally while also strengthening their bond through mutual support. This candid admission was made on the August 27, 2025, episode of her ‘MesSy’ podcast, where Applegate opened up about the personal and familial toll of her condition. Applegate shared specific moments, such as when she is bedridden and unable to move, and she sees the pain and concern in Sadie’s eyes, highlighting the profound impact on her daughter. She reflected on life before her 2021 diagnosis, noting that Sadie only knew her as a healthy, active individual engaged in running, Peloton workouts, and dancing, making the sudden onset of MS a dramatic and painful transition. The timing coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already disrupted their lives with lockdowns and school closures, compounding the challenges as Applegate could no longer perform many daily activities. Despite these hardships, Applegate expressed gratitude for Sadie’s unwavering support, describing how her daughter assists with mobility in public, holds her arm, and helps with her cane, while at home, they maintain moments of normalcy, such as Sadie requesting her mother’s unique cooking. Applegate’s openness is part of her broader health advocacy on the podcast she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, which has included discussions of recent health setbacks, like a hospitalization in early August for a kidney infection. Her continued sharing aims to raise awareness about MS, offer solace to others with chronic illnesses, and emphasize the resilience found in family connections during adversity.