A year ago, the Canadian singer Céline Dion, 55, mustered up the courage to tell the world that she suffered from a rare and serious neurological disease, known as stiff person syndrome, which, among other symptoms, caused severe pain and muscle spasms that prevented him from acting. With all the sorrow in her heart, she had to cancel her tour; and since then her public appearances have been few.
This week her sister Claudette, 75, revealed in an interview with 7 Jours magazine that the artist’s health is worsening. “Even though she works hard, she no longer has control of her muscles,” she laments. “What breaks my heart is that she has always been disciplined; She has always worked very hard. Our mother always told him: ‘you’re going to do well, you’re going to do well.’”
Claudette knows that the future is uncertain but she wanted to offer a ray of hope to the followers of the My Heart Will Go On singer and has said that her intention is to return to the stage although “she will have to wait an indefinite period of time before being able to resume.” their actions.” Her family does not lose hope although “there are some who have already lost hope because it is an unknown disease.” The singer is currently recovering in Denver and is rigorously following her doctors’ care plan, with the firm intention of returning to the stage.
Stiff person syndrome affects the nervous system and, being progressive and incurable, has a serious impact on mobility. It is characterized by progressive muscle stiffness, mainly in the muscles of the trunk, and a marked sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch and emotional stress, which can cause episodes of painful muscle spasms. Those who suffer from it can become human statues, with difficulties walking or speaking. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues.
Despite the rumors circulating on social networks, Claudette Dion has denied that her sister is in a wheelchair or that she suffers from cancer, according to what was even published by the British newspaper Daily Mail. She assures that Celine remains strong morally and mentally, and has denied that the illness has diminished her love for her life.
The illness forced the artist to cancel her Courage world tour a year ago, which was to last until 2024, and also to put her stage career on hold indefinitely. Claudette has also detailed, in statements cited by the New York Post, that her vocal cords and heart are susceptible to being affected by this disease.
The Dion family has received countless messages of support through their foundation, Fondation Maman Dion. However, hopes for improvement are slim despite the efforts of “the best researchers in the field,” as confirmed by the singer’s relatives.
In one of his few public appearances, last November he attended a Montreal Canadiens hockey game. There she appeared in good spirits, accompanied by her three loves, the children she had with her long-lost René Angélil: René-Charles, 22, and the twins Nelson and Eddy, 13. Also last May, the film premiered. romantic comedy Love again, in which Céline plays herself and sings some of the songs on the soundtrack.