Yolanda Andrade Returns to ‘Montse & Joe’ Amid Her Battle With ALS

Yolanda Andrade’s unexpected arrival at the ‘Montse & Joe’ studio brought an emotional reunion to the long-running show she hosts with her friend Montserrat Oliver. The program began more than 25 years ago as ‘Hijas de la Madre Tierra,’ later became ‘MoJoe,’ and eventually took its current name.

The show had been interrupted for Andrade after she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. During a recent recording, the studio doorbell rang without warning. Two people guided Andrade into the set, where Oliver was waiting with Roxana Castellanos, Michelle Vieth and Arath de la Torre.

The reunion was marked by hugs and emotional words. Despite her difficulty moving, Andrade displayed the distinctive sense of humor that has long characterized her television appearances. She had stayed connected with followers through social media videos during the months she was away from the studio.

Andrade also lives with trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic and painful disorder affecting the nerve that carries facial sensations to the brain. In a recent live broadcast with Thalía, she thanked the singer for encouraging her to keep fighting and not give in to the illness.

Castellanos told reporters that Andrade’s condition had improved, but cautioned that improvement did not mean she was well. “She’s better, it’s not that she’s well. The truth is that the only person who can really give information is her. She’s still giving it her all, as always.” Andrade, 54, has said publicly that her illnesses cannot be cured. She has also remained optimistic despite her doctor telling her she may have about a year and a half to live.

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She’s better, it’s not that she’s well. The truth is that the only person who can really give information is her. She’s still giving it her all, as always.