Celine Dion says she’s set on returning to the stage despite her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder known by its initials, SPS.
The 55-year-old Canadian singer shared a picture with her three sons on Friday to commemorate International SPS Awareness Day and encourage to others with the condition.
“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!” Dion wrote.
The photo shows her posing with her sons, 23-year-old René-Charles Angélil and her 13-year-old twins, Eddy and Nelson Angélil.
“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!” she added in the message, which was posted in English and French.
Stiff person syndrome is defined as a “rare, progressive neurological disorder” which often results in stiffness and muscle spasms that can be set off by loud noises or emotional distress, according to the National Institute of Health.
Dion went public with her SPS diagnosis in December 2022, posting a video explaining that she would have to postpone her Europe tour indefinitely and that she was suffering from its symptoms.
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life,” Dion said in the video. “Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
The six-time Grammy-winner’s battle with SPS will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled “I Am: Céline Dion,” coming to Amazon Prime Video at an unspecified date.