Celine Dion is one of the most recognized singer-songwriters with more than 200 million albums sold. Her music has spanned decades with breakout songs including, My Heart Will Go On, Alive and That’s The Way It is. Born into a musical family, she developed her love for music from a young age. Celine in her own words, “All I know is singing. It is what I have done all my life. And it’s what I love to do the most.” From performing worldwide to now barely performing anymore, Celine is now fighting.
Celine’s life and career were instantly changed two years ago when she began experiencing symptoms associated with Stiff Person Syndrome, also known as SPS. SPS is a rare neurological condition where the nervous system becomes “hyper-excitable”. Muscles become stiff in the trunk, arms, and legs. Mobility can be affected creating irregular gait patterns, stiff movement, and increased risk of falling. SPS has also had a dramatic impact on Celine’s voice. She now struggles to sing and to deal with the changes to her voice and vocal cords is difficult to accept. SPS has no cure. There are, however, multiple treatments that can be helpful. Immunotherapies in conjunction with medication and physical therapy can improve quality of life and mobility.
Celine now has the strength and courage to open up about her condition. Her journey with SPS paints a picture that shows very directly and honestly what it’s like living with this condition. Her documentary, I Am: Celine Dion is moving, poignant, and raw. Underlying the portrayal of day-to-day life with SPS, Celine exemplifies a fighter who won’t give up in the face of adversity.
Celine’s goal is to return to the stage. She will do anything to sing, even if she has to make accommodations to perform. She recently achieved this goal with her amazing and awe inspiring performance at the opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic games in Paris. Celine is a fighter and I am confident we will be seeing a lot more of her on stage soon.
Additional Resource:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/stiff-person-syndrome
