Ontario woman hopes Dion diagnosis brings awareness to 'stiff person syndrome'
An Ottawa woman who suffers from the same rare health condition as Celine Dion hopes the singer’s announcement of her diagnosis brings more awareness to the disease.
Dion announced Thursday she is postponing a number of shows to focus on getting better after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome.
The condition has been the cause of her muscle spasms, forcing her to postpone concerts.
“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 what I’ve been going through,” said Dion in a video posted to her Instagram page.
The singing sensation said the condition affects one in a million people.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition. We now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” she said in her video. “It’s been causing me difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”
Dion postponing her European tour dates from February to April as well as cancelling a run of shows from May to June. Dion’s shows from August to October are scheduled to go ahead.
“I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate,” she said in her video.
Tracie Labonte, who lives near Cornwall, Ont. was diagnosed with the same disorder in October, but has been suffering with symptoms related to the disorder since 2016.
Labonte says when her symptoms started, she needed a walker and then a wheelchair, but now her condition has worsened.
”I can’t walk, there are days that I can’t sit in my wheelchair because my legs won’t bend,” she said.
Both Labonte and her husband are hoping Dion’s diagnosis will help educate the public on the rare condition.
“I’m so thankful Celine Dion was brave enough to come forward because know a lot of celebrities don’t want to disclose their ailments but because it’s so rare, most of the doctors my wife spoke to said I have no idea what that is,” said Jamie Labonte, Tracie’s husband.
While the disorder is incurable, Labonte is fundraising for her ongoing treatments to manage the symptoms of the disorder.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.