Celine Dion says her fear of stiff person syndrome has been replaced with hope

CNN
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When it comes to Celine Dion's ongoing treatment Tough person syndromea rare neurological condition, the singer says she began to feel as if a new day was coming.

One person who has helped Dion find hope amid her health struggles is neurologist Dr. Amanda Pique, whom the singer highlighted in an emotional speech on Monday ahead of the screening of her upcoming documentary about her life with the condition.

Dion spoke at a film screening “Me: Celine Dion“In New York it was also broadcast live at an event in Los Angeles attended by CNN.

During her sometimes tearful speech, Dion said Pique had “helped me tremendously (and) solve this puzzle about my health.”

“By finding ways to manage and treat my condition, Dr. Pique achieved a very important result for me: she replaced my fear with hope,” Dion said, as the audience whistled and cheered.

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is “a rare progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to the report. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Dionne announced in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with the condition and that she was taking time off from her professional commitments to focus on her health. She said at the time that her condition did not allow her to “sing the way I used to.”

During her speech Monday, Dion looked out at the crowd and joked, “This is the biggest crowd I've been to in a few years.”

She went on to thank her children – Rene-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddie – who she said give her “daily love and support.”

The “Power of Love” singer also honored her fans, saying: “Your presence on my journey has been an indescribable gift. Your endless love and support after all these years has brought me to this moment tonight.

“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey,” she said through tears. “This film is a love letter to each and every one of you and I hope to see you all again very almost.”

“I Am: Celine Dion” will be available to stream on Prime Video on June 25.