Christina Applegate 'Determined' Not To Let Multiple Sclerosis 'Get The Best Of Her', Actress 'Refuses To See' Disease 'In A Dire Light'

Applegate, a Hollywood fixture since childhood, has been “living with MS for a while,” says an insider, adding that she’s chosen to be both hopeful and forthcoming about her journey. “She knows people who are living with this disease and refuses to see it in a dire light. It’s already taught her to be grateful for all the good things she has.”

The Dead to Me star, 49, has been upfront about health struggles in the past, revealing that she felt motivated to discuss her 2008 battle with breast cancer to help other young women be proactive about screenings.

Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36 and elected to have a double mastectomy. “[There’s] this need and this desire to make every single day count,” she previously said about how her priorities shifted.

“My activism came out,” Applegate also admitted. In sharing her MS diagnosis, she tweeted that the disease has made for a “tough road” so far but insisted that “as we all know, the road keeps going.” She added that she’s already felt “so supported” by fellow patients.

Applegate’s also felt the unwavering support of her family, including musician husband Martyn LeNoble and their 10-year-old daughter Sadie.

“Martyn’s with her every step of the way as she seeks the proper course of treatment, and she’s told Sadie the important thing is to stay positive and have faith,” shares the insider. “She’s determined not to let this disease get the best of her.”