UPDATE: While other people with knowledge of her health situation, Celine Dion is making another rare statement about her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.
Alongside a photo of herself with her sons, Dion celebrated “International SPS Awareness Day.”
“As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS),” Dion wrote. “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.”
Dion continued, writing, “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! Love, Celine.”
Celine Dion fans are rejoicing after they were able to get a glimpse of the singer seemingly doing well and in good spirits despite her tragic health battle.
Dion was spotted on the official Instagram page of the Montreal Canadiens meeting and chatting enthusiastically with its players while flanked by her sons.
“When emblems of Quebec meet in Las Vegas,” the video was captioned.
We love to see her doing well.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Celine Dion has become a household name. From her incredible voice to the music she has released over the last couple of decades, Dion is one of the most legendary singers to date.
Sadly, the beloved performer hasn’t been able to do what she does best due to an ongoing health battle she’s been fighting in secret. While rumors swirled about what Dion was dealing with in terms of her health, the singer has chosen to remain quiet about her battle; that is until recently.
In a video she shared on Instagram, Dion apologized to her friends for not speaking with them sooner. “I miss you have so much,” Dion said, “And I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.”
Dion continued, she explained, “I’ve always been an open book.” But while she prides herself on being open with her fans, she “wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now.”
“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. Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people.”
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stiff Person Syndrome or SPS also carries features of an autoimmune disease and is “characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.”
As the NINDS continues, it reveals that several things can cause a person with SPS to have a flare-up. “People with SPS can be too disabled to walk or move, or they are afraid to leave the house because street noises, such as the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms and falls.”
It still remains unclear what causes SPS to occur in a person but it is known that it affects twice as many women as it does men.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” Celine continued revealing that “these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
As a result of the ongoing battle, Dion admitted that “it hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”
Dion added that she has a great team of doctors working with her to help her get back on stage soon and that her “precious children are giving her hope” for the future. “I’m working hard,” Celine said to get back, but “I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”