Celine Dion is speaking out on what it’s like to live with stiff person syndrome.
The Grammy winner also shared what her plans for the future look like, all in honor of International Stiff-Person Syndrome Awareness Day.
Keep reading to see what Dion had to say.
In 2022, Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, an incurable disease that causes muscles stiffness and painful muscle spasms. Its symptoms may come and go and can worsen over time.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” she said in a video shared on Instagram at the time. “Recently I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people.”
Initially Dion postponed all of her concert dates to focus on her health, but eventually she was forced to cancel them.
Following her diagnosis, Dion remained out of the spotlight until recently.
In February, she made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammys where she presented the award for Album of the Year.
Prior to presenting the award, Dion spoke to the audience briefly.
“When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she said. “Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world.”
That night the singer was also spotted backstage singing alongside singer-songwriter Sonyae Elise.
Now, Dion has once again shared another update on her health, including a hint about what the future holds.
“Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day,” she wrote on March 15. “As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible.”
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!”
“I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!”
Celine, you’ll always be in our prayers. We will continue to support you no matter what!
READ MORE:
- Celine Dion puts on impromptu performance backstage at the Grammys amid battle with stiff person syndrome
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