Singer Celine Dion Diagnosed With a Rare Neurological Disease
When it rains, it definitely pours, and Celine Dion can’t seem to take a break from all the tragedies and heartaches that life is throwing at her.
The news came last Thursday when Celine shared her one-in-a-million diagnosis with her fans on Instagram. In a tearful video, Celine revealed that the multi-awarded singer is battling stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological disease that causes the muscles to tense and spasm nonstop and violently. And unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition at this time.
Stiff-person syndrome is a progressive disorder that causes the patient to suffer from rigidity, spasms, as well as limited mobility to the point that the patient can no longer talk or walk. As of today, the treatments available for stiff-person syndrome can only slow down the progression of the disease but not cure it.
Celine shared that she is doing what she possibly can to minimize and manage her symptoms. The Canadian singer revealed that her current medical predicament was why she postponed her upcoming European tour.
In the Instagram video, Celine says, “Hello, everyone. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.”
She continued, “You know, I’ve always been an open book, and I 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 has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.
“Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people. While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having.”
Celine further shared how this illness has impacted her life, causing her to struggle with walking some days. It is also stopping her from using her vocal cords and singing how she used to.
She further stated that although it hurts her to announce to her fans that she is putting herself first, she won’t be ready for her European tour in February.
On a hopeful note, Celine talked about the fantastic medical team working with her to help with her condition. She also expressed her gratitude to her children for their support and for extending their help to her.
Celine said that she is working with her sports medicine therapist every day to build back her strength and, hopefully, her ability to sing again. However, she admitted that doing so is a struggle. The singer bared her soul, stating that all she knows is singing and she’s been doing it her entire life. But because of this condition, she’s missing her fans, being with them, and performing on stage.
While concluding her message, Celine said, “I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.” For now, she’s asking for everyone’s understanding so she can focus on her health and thanked everyone for their “encouraging wishes of love and support by social media.”
The Grammy winner signed off, saying, “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much, and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
