Canadian singer Céline Dion has revealed that she has been diagnosed with “stiff person syndrome”, a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms.
In an emotional video posted on his account Facebook, the artist said that her illness would force her to postpone and cancel a series of concerts.
“I’ve been dealing with health issues for a long time and it’s been really hard for me to face these challenges and talk about everything I’ve been going through,” Dion, 54, wrote. “It pains me to say that I won’t be ready to restart my European tour in February.”
“I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people,” he said.
“While we’re still learning about this rare disease, we now know that this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having.”
According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, the disease affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. “Patients may be wheelchair-bound or bedridden, unable to work and care for themselves.”
And they add that this neurological disease with autoimmune characteristics can include symptoms such as “hyperrigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety” and muscle spasms “so violent that they can dislocate joints and even break bones.”
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life,” Dion continued. “Sometimes they make it difficult for me when I walk and don’t allow me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Dion has three children: René-Charles, 21, and 11-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy with her late husband René Angélil. She added that she is in the hands of “a great team of doctors working by my side to help me recover.” “And my precious children, who support me and give me hope,” she said.
Due to his illness, shows for spring 2023 have been rescheduled to 2024, while eight of his shows for summer 2023, previously scheduled for May 31 to July 17, 2023, have been cancelled.
But the five-time Grammy winner said she’s not giving up. “All I know is singing,” she said. “It’s what I’ve done all my life. And it’s what I like to do the most.” “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist to get my strength back and my ability to perform again,” she added. “But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”
The “My Heart Will Go On” singer got even more emotional as she expressed her love for her fans. “Miss them a lot. I miss seeing you all. Being on stage. Act for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my illness doesn’t allow me to give them that right now.”
“To be with you again I have no choice but to focus on my health right now,” he said. “And I am hopeful that I am on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I am doing everything I can to recover. I want to thank you very much for your wishes of love and support on social media. This means a lot to me.” «Take care. Be well.
I love you very much and I really hope to see you again very soon,” he concluded.
