The Canadian pop star Céline Dion, who suffers from a rare neurological disorder, said in a post on Instagram that she is looking forward to her return to the stage.
The 55-year-old Dion revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Moersch-Woltman Syndrome, also known as Stiff Person Syndrome or SPS. This causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms, and leads to significant restriction of movement. Although this disease affects only one to two people in a million, it is difficult to diagnose and has a huge impact on a person’s quality of life.
“Overcoming this autoimmune disease has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but I remain determined to return to the stage and live as normally as possible,” Dion said in a post on Friday commemorating International SPS -awareness day.
“I would like to encourage and support those around the world who are affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it!” said the Grammy-winning singer of hits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “Because You Loved Me.”
“I am so grateful for the love and support of my children, family, team and each of you,” she added, along with a photo where she poses with her three sons.
There is no cure for SPS, but treatment can control the symptoms. According to the US National Institutes of Health, SPS affects women twice as often as men.
In May last year, Dion was forced to cancel a series of shows for 2023 and 2024. She was not strong enough to undertake the tour.
Dion was last seen in public in February when she attended the Grammy Awards with a surprise appearance. She presented the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift.
Dion announced in January that she would make a documentary about her condition, which would be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. Through this, she would like to raise further awareness about her condition. I am: Celine Dion by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor is expected to be released later this year.
Dion sold more than 250 million albums during her decades-long career. The Quebec-born star’s “Courage” world tour kicked off in 2019. She completed 52 shows before the tour had to be suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Click here to read more about her illness.
