Celine Dion’s children are credited with helping their mother through her battle with stiff person syndrome.
Dion’s three sons, René-Charles Angélil, 21, and 12-year-old twins Eddy Angélil and Nelson Angélil, have been ‘her rock’ as she battles the rare neurological condition that causes her muscles to tense uncontrollably. said a source. us weekly.
“Her children have been her rock… The twins are very mature beyond their age and René-Charles controls and adores their mother all the time,” the source said of the three children, whose father is Celine’s late husband, René Angelil. .
‘Her children have been her rock’: Celine Dion’s children credited with helping their mother through her battle with stiff person syndrome
Referring to Celine as an ‘eternal optimist’, the source added that the My Heart Will Go On singer was recently diagnosed.
Celine, who the source said had been “suffering from the symptoms for quite some time,” was reportedly surprised to learn what exactly she was dealing with.
Yet despite the scary news, Celine has found solace in learning about the condition and what treatments are available for it.
“She hasn’t lost any of her fighting spirit and is comforted that at least she knows exactly what she’s dealing with now and there’s some comfort that she can alleviate some of the symptoms by receiving specific treatments for this condition,” the source explained.
Support system: ‘René-Charles checks in and dotes on his mom all the time,’ source said of Celine’s eldest son, pictured in 2016
Dion moved fans to tears when she revealed she had an incurable neurological condition in an Instagram post earlier this month, forcing her to postpone her European tour.
A source recently said People: ‘Celine is overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of love and support from her fans.
“It’s been a very difficult time and he has a tough road ahead of him, but he’s doing everything he can to get back on stage and see his fans.”
Doting mom: Dion pictured with her six-year-old twins in 2017; her father is her late husband René Angélil
They have always been there for her. For now, she is focusing on her health and her children. She is the spitting image of resilience.’
The condition, which affects one in a million people, ultimately leaves sufferers like “human statues” as it progressively locks the body into rigid positions, preventing sufferers from walking or talking.
While there is no cure for SPS, there are treatments to slow the progression, and Celine reveals that she is doing everything she can to minimize the symptoms.
Mother-son: The duo photographed together in 2016
She wrote: ‘Hi everyone, sorry it took so long to get back to you. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.
As you know, I’ve always been an open book and wasn’t ready to say anything before, but now I’m ready.
I have been dealing with health issues for a long time and it has been very difficult for me to face my challenges and talk about everything I have been going through.
“I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.
Heartbreaking news: Dion moved fans to tears when she revealed she had an incurable neurological condition in an Instagram post earlier this month, forcing her to postpone her European tour; pictured 2015
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what’s been causing all the spasms I’ve been having.”
Detailing the impact the condition has had on her, Celine continued: “Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I I am used to”. .
It pains me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.
I have a great team of doctors who work by my side to help me get better and my precious children who support me and give me help.
Health issues: The mother-of-three first hinted at her health issues in January when she canceled the North American dates of her Courage World Tour from March 9 to April 22; pictured 2015
I am working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to regain my strength and ability to perform again, but I have to admit it has been a struggle.
‘All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I like to do the most.
‘I miss you a lot. I miss seeing all of you on stage performing for you.
I always give 100 percent when I do my show, but my condition now allows me to give that to you right now.
‘To get back in touch with you, I have no choice but to focus on my health right now, and I am hopeful that I am on the road to recovery.
The announcement came three months after he had to cancel the start of his comeback residency in Las Vegas over the same health issue.
‘This is my focus, and I’m doing everything I can to recover.
I want to thank you very much for your wishes, love and support on my social networks. This means a lot to me.
‘Take care. Be fine. I love you very much and I really hope to see you again very soon.
Celine then updated fans on her tour dates while sharing a poster of the rescheduled and canceled concerts.
Family first: Dion and Rene-Charles photographed with René Angélil, who passed away in 2016
The mother-of-three first hinted at her health issues in January when she canceled the North American dates of her Courage World Tour from March 9 to April 22.
The announcement came three months after he had to cancel the start of his comeback residency in Las Vegas over the same health issue.
Celine has become known as the ‘Queen of Las Vegas’ due to her hugely successful residencies there.
After retiring from her famed Caesars Palace residency in 2019, she was convinced to return to Sin City to perform at the new Resorts World on the Strip.
A statement on her website says that Celine “has recently been treated for severe and persistent muscle spasms that prevent her from performing, and her recovery is taking longer than she expected.”
“His medical team continues to evaluate and treat the condition.”
Celine added: “I really hoped I’d be okay to go by now, but I guess I just have to be more patient and follow the regimen my doctors prescribe.”
‘There is a lot of organization and preparation in our shows, so we have to make decisions today that will affect the plans two months from now. I will be very happy to be fully healthy again, as well as for all of us to get through this pandemic, and I can’t wait to get back on stage again.”
“In the meantime, I have been very touched by all the words of encouragement that everyone has been sending me on social media. I feel your love and support and it means a lot to me.’