World famous singer Céline Dion took to Instagram on Dec. 8 to inform her fans she is suffering from a rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome.
The 54-year-old mega-star expressed the depths of her struggle to her 5.2 million Instagram followers and apologized for canceling her upcoming shows for the spring and summer as a result of her current medical condition. “Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life,” Dion said. “Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk, and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to,” she said in her Instagram post. “I have to admit, it’s been a struggle,” she said. “All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life,” she continued.
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The famous singer seemed deeply remorseful about tour cancelations. “It’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through … It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February,” Dion said.
She went on to say, “I’ve had health problems for a long time and it’s not easy for me to cope with them.”
Stiff-person syndrome is said to affect only one to two million people. Johns Hopkins Medicine described the debilitating effects of the illness, which affect balance and increase the odds of falling. “It causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can be triggered by a variety of things including sudden movement, cold temperature or unexpected loud noises,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. (RELATED: Superstar Model Hailey Bieber Reveals Shocking Health Scare)
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Despite the odds stacked against her, the five-time Grammy winner said she is regularly communicating with her doctors and has partnered with a sports medicine therapist to explore every possible avenue for recovery. Dion thanked her children for being supportive and remains dedicated to fighting to regain control over her health.
“I have hope I’m on the road to recovery,” she said. “This is my focus, and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate.”