The Untold Truth Of Annette Funicello

Publish date: 2024-04-29

In the late 1980s, Annette Funicello was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an illness that would have a major impact on her life and which she would endure for over 25 years. The New York Times revealed that Funicello was optimistic and wouldn't get bogged down by her diagnosis, starting a charity instead to help others zero in on a cure.

Funicello didn't reveal her illness until 1992, when she realized it was important to issue a public announcement. Around that time, she was being forced to endure unkind speculations about the fact that she found it difficult to walk. People wondered whether she was an alcoholic (via The Guardian). Funicello's condition was rather severe, and she eventually started using a wheelchair to get around. Her husband, Glen Holt, later revealed that he'd assured her that he'd always help her with anything she needed. "When she got diagnosed ... I told her, 'I will take care of you and I'll do everything I can,'" he said

Annette Funicello was no victim, though. She studied her illness, learning as much as she could. She wrote that no doctor in the world could predict whether a patient with multiple sclerosis would worsen in a few years. Moreover, Funicello was open with her kids about her illness, making sure she read up on it so that she was equipped to alleviate her children's doubts and answer their questions.

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