Celine Dion ‘deeply grateful’ for support as she marks Stiff Person Syndrome day

Celine Dion has said she is “deeply grateful” for the support from her family and fans as she opened up about her experience of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).

The Canadian singer, 55, marked the international awareness day of the rare neurological condition by sharing a photo of herself with her three sons to Instagram.

In the post, she sent words of encouragement to others living with the autoimmune disorder and revealed she is determined to one day get back on stage and “live as normal of a life as possible”.

In the photo, Dion could be smiling with her arms wrapped around two of her children while the third sat in front of her as they all posed on a racing podium with a trophies.

“Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day”, she wrote alongside the post.

“As many of you know, in the fall of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).

“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible.

“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!

“I want to send my encouragement and support to all those around the world that have been affected by SPS. I want you to know you can do it! We can do it! Love Celine xx…”

The singer superstar, whose best known hits include My Heart Will Go On, Think Twice and It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, received a standing ovation when she made a rare public appearance at the Grammy Awards last month to present the album of the year prize.

Earlier this year it was announced a new Prime Video documentary is set to detail her battle with SPS and the lengths she has gone to to carry on performing.

I Am: Celine Dion, captured over more than a year by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, promises to provide insight into a pivotal period in the star’s life.

Dion has sold more than 250 million albums during her 40-year career, earning five Grammys, two Oscars and the Billboard Music Award lifetime achievement Icon Award.

The singer has spoken about having muscle spasms as a result of SPS and in 2021 she cancelled her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns.

She revealed her diagnosis in December 2022 and cancelled her Courage World Tour.

The main symptoms of SPS are muscle stiffening and spasming. Periods of muscle spasming can be triggered by environmental stimuli like loud noises and can calm down once the stimulus has gone.

Some people with SPS have other autoimmune diseases such as type one diabetes, vitiligo and pernicious anaemia.

There is no cure for SPS, but there are ways for the disease to be treated, including through the use of muscle sedatives and relaxants.

Physical and occupational therapy is also a treatment route for people with SPS.