31 August 2023 , 17:05
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Celine Dion's sister Claudette has spoken out about the singer's health condition but claims the star is "strong" and "doing everything she can" to recover.
The singer, 55, best known for a number of chart-topping hits including Titanic's My Heart Will Go On, has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, which is an incurable neurological condition that results in uncontrollable muscle spasms. It reportedly affects one in every one million people. During a recent interview, Claudette, 74, heartbreakingly revealed that there is little the family can do to "alleviate her pain." Celine, who has an incredibly strong fanbase was diagnosed with the condition last December and was forced to cancel her world tour as a result.
While there is no cure, there are, however, treatments that can slow down the progression. Speaking to Hello! Canada, Claudette opened up about the symptoms. She said: "It's an illness we know so little about. There are spasms – they're impossible to control. There's little we can do to support her, to alleviate her pain. We're crossing our fingers that researchers will find a remedy for this awful illness."
Celine Dion's sister has shared an update on her siblings health condition (Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Celine is suffering from stiff person syndrome (Instagram)Desperate to keep her loyal fans in the loop, Celine took to social media and told them: "It is with tremendous disappointment that we have to announce today the cancellation of the Courage World Tour. I'm so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I'm working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you're 100%.'
She continued: "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. I want you all to know, I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!"
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Her statement added: "We do have every hope that someday soon, Celine will be able to come to all of these cities in Europe to perform for her amazing fans, but that time simply is not now." But prior to that statement, as soon as Celine was diagnosed with the neurological disorder, she immediately addressed her fans on December 8 via an emotional Instagram post.
She said: "Hello everyone, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and can't wait to be on stage talking to you in person. As you know, I've always been an open book and I wasn't ready to say anything before but I'm ready now. I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through."
She added: "Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects one in a million people. While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having."
Speaking about the impact her condition has on her body, she continued: "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. I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help. I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it's been a struggle."
She added: "All I know is singing, it's what I've done all my life and it's what I love to do the most. I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you. I always give 100 per cent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now. For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I'm on the road to recovery. This is my focus, and I'm doing everything I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your wishes and love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me."