Celine Dion 'Working Hard' To Fight Rare Neurological Condition

Celine Dion’s sister, Claudette Dion, has appeared on Quebec television and addressed the singer’s fight against the rare neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome.

In case you missed it, Dion told fans in an emotional video statement that she received the Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December. This condition affects around one in a million people. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” Dion said.

She explained, “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to. It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”

Appearing on the Quebec talk show, Bonsoir bonsoir, Claudette Dion said, per Journaldesfemmes.fr, that her sister “works hard. We're all crossing our fingers, and I'm glad people are worried.”

Journaldesfemmes.fr adds, via Public, that the My Heart Will Go On singer is enduring “a particularly heavy treatment, based on immunoglobulins to relieve muscle spasms”.

On the show, Claudette Dion continued, “She is working hard, and we are confident that we will succeed. It can’t be a story like this.”

Recalling a recent conversation with her sister, Claudette told Bonsoir bonsoir, “This can’t be possible; Heaven made a mistake.” Celine reportedly responded, “You are going to make me cry.” You can watch footage from the interview below.

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Claudette Dion était invitée à l'émission "Bonsoir , Bonsoir". Elle se dit confiante sur l'état de santé de Celine et affirme l'avoir eu au téléphone récemment.
▶️ pic.twitter.com/JFIsgzwkis

— CelineDionFansFrance (@CDionFansFrance) July 6, 2023

Anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant drugs are believed to alleviate muscle spasms associated with Stiff Person Syndrome, the National Institute for Neurological Disorders details on its website. 

The National Institute for Neurological Disorders says that Stiff Person Syndrome affects twice as many women as men. The disorder is often associated with autoimmune diseases such as type-1 diabetes, thyroiditis, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia.

In May, Celine Dion announced the cancellation of all 2023 and 2024 dates on her Courage tour. “I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again,” she said. “I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%.

“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again.”

She added, “I’m not giving up. I can’t wait to see you again.”