"She is doing everything she can to get back on stage and see her fans," a source revealed.
Céline Dion continues to be grateful as she turns 55. A little over three months after opening up about her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis, the five-time Grammy recipient thanked everyone for their birthday greetings on March 31. The Titanic singer shared an Instagram Story, per PEOPLE, writing, "I felt this giant wave of love!"
A lovely video containing a number of touching pictures of family memories and birthday celebrations was also posted by Dion's official Instagram account, inspiring fans to show the celebrity their support. "On this very special day, we'd like to wish you, dear Celine, a very happy 55th birthday," the account shared. "To all of you fans who would like to leave a message for Celine on this occasion, please do so by posting your video or picture on your Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok account using the hashtag #LetsTalkAboutLove25 so we can add it to the message board," it added.
Dion's birthday comes just a few months after she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological condition that can cause crippling muscle spasms. In an Instagram video, Dion announced that her condition would cause her to postpone and cancel a number of upcoming concert dates, per PEOPLE. "I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through," she wrote in the caption of the post. "It hurts me to tell you that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."
Dion's condition, according to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. According to the foundation, it can leave patients "disabled, wheelchair-bound, or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves." It also includes "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones."
At the time, Dion opened up about the "difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to," she disclosed in the Instagram video. "Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon," she concluded.
Dion is now "focusing on her health and children" — three boys, René-Charles, 22, and 12-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy, a source told PEOPLE. "Celine is overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support from her fans," the source said. "It's been a very difficult time and she has a hard road ahead of her, but she is doing everything she can to get back on stage and see her fans."
References:
https://people.com/music/celine-dion-feeling-giant-wave-love-turns-55-stiff-person-syndrome/
https://people.com/health/celine-dion-reveals-diagnosis-with-incurable-neurological-disease/
https://stiffperson.org/sps-101/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Frazer Harrison
