Celine Dion Raises Awareness for Stiff Person Syndrome: ‘Determined to Get Back’ on Stage

Celine Dion Raises Awareness for Stiff Person Syndrome: ‘Determined to Get Back’ on Stage

By Movieguide® Contributor

Singer Celine Dion, “determined” to return to her career, is spreading awareness about her medical condition, Stiff Person Syndrome.

“Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day,” the “My Heart Will Go On” singer shared on Instagram Friday with a photo of herself and her sons, René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy. “As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).”

Movieguide® reported in October:

Celine Dion’s sister shared an update on the singer’s stiff person syndrome diagnosis as the musician hopes to eventually return to the stage.

“She works so hard, but she doesn’t have control of her muscles,” Dion’s sister Claudette told 7Jours. “What pains me is that she has always been disciplined. She always worked hard. Mom always told her, ‘You’re going to do this right, you’re going to do this right.’”

“It’s certain that, in our dreams and in hers, the idea is to return to the stage,” Claudette continued. “In which state? I do not know. The vocal cords are muscles, and the heart is a muscle. This is what comes to get me.”

Five months later, Dion still hopes to perform again as she makes an effort to control her muscles.

“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,” she shared. “I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!”

“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…” the singer signed off her post.

CNN noted that Prime Video will soon release a documentary about the performer called I AM: CELINE DION.

“Capturing over a year’s worth of Dion’s life, including ‘never-before-seen’ private moments, the doc will showcase the legendary singer navigating ‘her journey toward living an open and authentic life amidst illness,’” CNN reported.

The documentary will show how Dion is resolved not to let her disease affect her future.

“This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me,” Dion said. “As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realized how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans. During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life to help others who share this diagnosis.”

Per the Guardian, she hopes that the documentary will help raise awareness for SPS.