Earlier this week, Grammy-winning singer Céline Dion shared news that she had been diagnosed with a rare neurological disease and would have to put her career on hold.
"Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people," Dion shared in an emotional Instagram video. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is what has been causing all of the spasms that I've been having."
Stiff person syndrome is an incredibly rare condition diagnosed in about 1 in 1,000,000 people. The exact cause is unknown, but doctors believe that it is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where the body's natural defenses attack healthy tissue for some unknown reason. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with stiff person syndrome.
There is currently no cure, but there are medications available to ease the symptoms, which the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation describes as "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones." Patients can also become disabled, wheelchair-bound, or bedridden.
Dion had been planning to go on tour next year and begin a Las Vegas residency. Those plans are on hold for now.
"I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage. Performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now," Dion said.
"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again," Dion added. "But I have to admit, it's been a struggle."
In 2007, Dion made a special Thanksgiving appearance on All My Children. The singer appeared as herself and performed her single "Taking Chances" on Erica Kane's New Beginnings talk show.
You can watch video of her appearance below and if you want to relive what else was happening in Pine Valley, check out our daily recap for Wednesday, November 21, 2007.
Would you like to send a message of encouragement to Céline Dion? Do you remember her All My Children cameo? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
