Kristen Shares Her Healing Journey

Known for her humorous roles in classic sitcoms like 3rd Rock From the Sun and movies like Bride Wars, Kristen Johnston has brought audiences joy and laughter for nearly 30 years. But life hasn't always been easy. Here, Kristen shares how she finds strength and silver linings

- DEBORAH EVANS PRICE

Two-time Emmy winner Kristen Johnston, 57, is the first to admit she has a wonderful life. But the road has often been rocky for the actress, who has dealt with various health challenges—including overcoming addiction and battling lupus myelitis, a rare form of the autoimmune disease that affects the spinal cord. "I was 46 years old and couldn't lift my neck without a brace," says Kristen, whose doctor told her she would have ended up a quadriplegic had her treatment—which included chemo and steroids—been delayed any longer. "After six months, I was in remission, thank God, but anyone with an autoimmune disease knows the medicine makes your body go haywire. So I had to really challenge myself over the next few years," the six-foot-tall beauty tells Woman's World. "I went through a lot to get where I am today. I'm alive and I'm happy in my skin. I feel blessed. If you're struggling, just keep going. It gets better." Read on for Kristen's tips on persevering through dark times and basking in small joys.

Don't miss Kristen on Leanne!