Celine Dion's sister, Claudette, has provided an update on the singer's ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare and progressive neurological disorder. In an interview with HELLO! Canada, Claudette shared that despite their limited knowledge about the illness, Celine is determined to recover and is doing everything in her power to do so.
Stiff Person Syndrome is characterized by uncontrollable muscle spasms that can be likened to the cramps people sometimes experience in their legs or calves. Claudette explained that these spasms affect all muscles and can be very painful, making it challenging for Celine to manage. To support her during this difficult time, Celine's sister, Linda, has moved into her home, where she lives with her three sons René-Charles, Eddy, and Nelson, to provide care and assistance.
Celine Dion, who is the youngest of 14 siblings, first revealed her diagnosis in December 2022 through an emotional Instagram video. In her announcement, she explained that the disorder had a significant impact on her daily life and her ability to perform on stage. Due to the severity of her symptoms, Celine postponed her European tour initially and eventually had to cancel all 42 remaining dates on her Courage World Tour.
Despite these setbacks, Celine Dion remains determined and committed to her recovery. She expressed her heartfelt apologies to her fans and emphasized that she is working diligently to regain her strength. In a statement, she mentioned that touring can be challenging even at full strength and that canceling the shows was the best decision for her and her fans.
The article also discusses the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, founded by Dr. Tara Zier, who herself was diagnosed with the disease in 2017. The foundation aims to raise funds for treatments and a cure for Stiff Person Syndrome, as the disease can lead to serious complications and varies in severity among patients. Physical therapy is highlighted as a crucial aspect of managing the condition, with Dr. Zier emphasizing that recovery is not linear and can involve flare-ups of symptoms. Stress-free living and therapy are recommended to help patients manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
In conclusion, Celine Dion's family is rallying around her as she faces the challenges of Stiff Person Syndrome, and they are hopeful that ongoing research will lead to effective treatments and a cure for this rare neurological disorder.
Source: ET Online
