David Faustino offers support to Christina Applegate during her health challenge
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At a recent fundraising event hosted by Cure Addiction Now, actor David Faustino provided a heartfelt update about his long-time friend Christina Applegate. The annual charity gathering took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel on 9 November, where Faustino addressed the ongoing health struggles of his former co-star from the iconic television series *Married… with Children*.
Christina Applegate, 54, had previously shared with her listeners on the *MeSsy* podcast that after being initially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, she has since learned that her condition may not be what it seemed. Drifting into a candid discussion with co-host Jamie Lynn Sigler, she voiced her frustrations, stating, “I haven’t gotten better, Jamie! If anything, I’ve gotten worse. So I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me.”
Faustino, 52, expressed that he frequently checks in on Applegate as she navigates this challenging chapter of her life. “She’s struggling to find out what’s going on, and I’m just giving her the best and most love I can through this process,” he shared in an exclusive conversation with *People*. His unwavering support underscores a strong bond that has endured since their *Married… with Children* days.
Characterising Applegate as a “strong soul,” Faustino highlighted her remarkable resilience. He remarked on her dry sense of humour, noting how she manages to infuse laughter into even the darkest moments. “Even in the worst of circumstances, she can still come up with a witty one-liner to zap you,” he added, attributing her ability to cope to her humour and spirit.
Applegate has not shied away from discussing the emotional toll her health issues have taken. In a recent episode of her podcast, she spoke openly about experiencing a “great depression” as a result of the struggles she faces. Her situation has necessitated the use of wheelchairs, and she lamented, “I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office. I can’t walk from the car to the room. I’m still in this.”
The actress’s life was significantly upended when she was diagnosed with MS, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from numbness and weakness to difficulty walking and changes in vision, as described by health experts at the Mayo Clinic. However, since her latest insights, there has been uncertainty about her diagnosis, leaving her grappling with unanswered questions.
On the *MeSsy* podcast episode released on 3 November, Applegate discussed the next steps in her medical journey, stating that doctors were now testing for conditions that are often considered “sister” diseases to MS, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease. “These things can kind of mimic MS,” she noted, revealing the ongoing complexities of her health evaluation.
Notably, Applegate expressed feelings of personal conflict, indicating a struggle with her perceived role within the MS community. After becoming a figurehead for MS awareness, she conveyed a sense of disappointment at not being able to live up to that image, stating, “I feel like I let everybody down. It’s this weird feeling because I became the poster child for MS.”
As she continues to search for answers, she described the situation as a “mindf—,” contributing to her feelings of unnerving uncertainty. “Everything I was doing had a reason. I had a f—ing reason as to why my day sucked every day. And now I don’t have a reason, and it’s very unnerving and confusing for me,” she revealed.
Faustino’s support shines through during this difficult time for Applegate, with the actor conveying a sense of hope for her journey ahead. As the actress continues to confront the unknowns of her health, the strength of their friendship will undoubtedly be a source of comfort for her in the months to come.
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