CELINE Dion’s sister Claudette has given fans an update on the singer’s health after she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
The Power Of Love hitmaker, 55, was recently forced to cancel her world tour due to the rare neurological disorder – which makes a person’s muscles tense uncontrollably.
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There is currently no cure for Stiff Person Syndrome , which can leave sufferers as “human statues”, sometimes unable to walk or talk.
Claudette has now revealed that Celine’s other sister, Linda, has moved into the singer’s Las Vegas home to help care for her.
She told Le Journal de Montreal (via SheMazing), that Linda is working closely with researchers who specialize in the rare condition.
“When I call [Celine] 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 has been listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible.”
Celine revealed her heartbreaking diagnosis in December last year.
Only about one out of every one million people have been diagnosed with this syndrome, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Canadian superstar Celine told her fans she is trying to do what she can to minimize the symptoms.
In most cases, people with SPS respond to high doses of diazepam, which is often used as anti-anxiety medication.
Pain relievers will also improve the symptoms but these will not cure the disorder.
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‘HOPE IS IMPORTANT’
Claudette said: “We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important.
“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.”
Claudette added that her family “trusts” that Celine will find a means of rehabilitation that will allow her to return to the stage.
“[Performing] is innate to her, she’s disciplined in every area of her life,” she said.
CANCELED TOUR
In May, Celine canceled her world tour after her worsening health left her unable to perform.
For now, it means shows in France, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, and the UK won’t take place.
She said: ‘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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