Christina Applegate is celebrating her birthday with some heartfelt candor.
The “Dead to Me” star took to Twitter on Thanksgiving, which also marked her 50th birthday, to share that the year has “been a hard one” following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.
“Yup. I turned 50 today. And I have MS. It’s been a hard one,” wrote Applegate. “Sending so much love to all of you this day.”
Applegate also acknowledged the conflicting feelings people may have been experiencing that day.
“Many are hurting today, and I am thinking of you,” she wrote. “May we find that strength to lift our heads up. Mine currently is on my pillow. But I try.”
Speaking about her health earlier this year, the actress said expressed gratitude for her support system, including those who also suffer with MS.
“It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going,” said Applegate, according to CNN.
In addition to multiple sclerosis, which affects the central nervous system, Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.
She was open about her battle with the disease, including the double mastectomy she underwent.
Back in 2017, Applegate revealed to Today that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in order to prevent ovarian cancer and take “control of everything.”
“It’s a relief,” Applegate said at the time. “That’s one other thing off the table. Now, let’s hope I don’t get hit by a bus.”
Though the website no longer appears to be active, Applegate also founded the Right Action for Women initiative to provide financial assistance to women at high risk for breast cancer who need access to MRI screenings.
