Celine Dion says battling stiff person syndrome 'has been one of the hardest experiences of her life'
Celine Dion is focusing on her family and the future as she continues to live with a health challenge.
The legendary entertainer marked International Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day on March 15 with an Instagram post in which she addressed her autoimmune disorder, saying it "has been one of the hardest experiences of my life".
Dion added that she remains "determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible".
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Celine Dion says living with stiff person syndrome ''has been one of the hardest experiences of her life''. Getty
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"As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)," Dion wrote in her post.
"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!"
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A photo of Dion and her three sons accompanied her heartfelt message. Instagram
She added to fellow Stiff Person Syndrome sufferers.
"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 xx…"
A photo of Dion and her three sons – René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy – accompanied her heartfelt message.
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Dion shared her three children with her late husband René Angélil. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Dion shared her three children with her late husband René Angélil, who died in 2016.
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological condition that causes spasms and muscle rigidity, with heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sound, lights and emotional distress that can bring on the muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Dion first shared her diagnosis in 2022. She has since stopped touring and performing live.
Dion first shared her diagnosis in 2022. She has since stopped touring and performing. Getty Images for The Recording A
A forthcoming documentary on the My Heart Will Go On singer set to stream on Prime Video will document her journey back to the stage.
Dion's sister said she was "praying for a miracle" after the legendary singer revealed her battle with stiff person syndrome.
"She's doing everything to recover," Claudette Dion, 74, told Hello!
Claudette says family find it hard to help Céline, 55, as "little" is known about the illness that causes spasms in the body "impossible to control".
