Following Celine Dion’s tragic diagnosis of stiff person syndrome (SPS), her sister has given a heart-breaking update about the singer.
The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ musician announced she had the incurable condition last December, later cancelling the remaining part of her Courage world tour.
In a rare interview though, the Grammy award winner’s sister has spoken about Dion’s condition and her ongoing care.
Claudette Dion made the candid admission in the Le Journal de Montreal, stating that her sister Linda was providing the bulk of the care for the Canadian singer.
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Despite the family working closely with researchers though, Claudette confessed it’s been difficult to find ways to manage the rare medical condition.
"We can't find any medicine that works, but having hope is important," she revealed, adding: "I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest.
"She always goes above and beyond [when performing], she always tries to be the best and top of her game.
"At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It's important to listen to it."
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She continued, adding that Linda had been keeping the family updated as Dion's condition progresses.
“When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard,” Claudette said.
“She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible.”
Sadly though, there has been little progress with a cure for SPS.
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According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, the neurological disorder can cause chronic pain as well as muscle spasms and rigidity.
In some cases, it can also lead to symptoms such as difficulty walking and shortness of breath.
Although it’s unclear how serve Dion’s condition has become, she announced in May that she would be cancelling the remainder of her highly anticipated world tour.
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In a heart-breaking update on social media, she told fans: "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 per cent.”
"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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We can't wait to see you perform soon Celine!
Katherine Sidnell