[ad_1]
Celine Dion has continued to share her story as she battles the rare neurological disorder Stiff Personality Syndrome (SPS).
Dion, who was forced to cancel dates on her 2023 Courage world tour, said trying to sing was “like someone suffocating you”.
WATCH ABOVE: First look at Celine Dion’s new interview.
Get the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
US Today Hoda Kotb interview clip for NBC News is set to air on June 11, with a preview clip shared ahead of the release.
“It’s like someone’s pushing your larynx, your pharynx,” says Dion.
Proving his point, Dion put his hands to his throat and spoke in a strained, high-pitched voice.
“It’s like you talk like that and you can’t go any higher or any lower.”
Stiff person syndrome is “a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Together with the voice, it significantly affects the movement.
Dion went on to say that when she cooks or straightens her legs, she will experience spasms that cause her limbs to lock up.
“My fingers, my hands are going to take a position… They’re getting a hold of me, but it’s in a position where you can’t unlock them,” she said.
One spasm was so severe that it broke one of her ribs.
“When it’s very heavy, it can break something.”
Dion announced in December 2022 that she was taking a break from professional commitments to focus on her health after revealing her diagnosis of Stingy Man Syndrome.
At the time, she said the condition prevented her from “singing the way I’m used to”.
“She’s doing everything to recover,” Dion’s older sister Claudette said Hello! Canada in September 2023
“She’s a strong woman.”
Along with sharing her story, Dion is advocating for SPS, sharing words of encouragement to mark International SPS Awareness Day on March 15.
“Today the world marks International SPS Awareness Day,” she said in the post at the time.
“As many of you know, in the fall of 2022 I was diagnosed with Rigid Personality Syndrome (SPS).
“Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day return to the stage and live as normal a life as possible,” Dion continued.
“I am deeply grateful for the love and support from my kids, family, team and all of you!
“I want to send my encouragement and support to all the people around the world who have been affected by SPS. I want you to know that you can do it! We can do it!
“I love Celine xx…”
Sign up to the 7NEWS app here – the news you want, when you need it. Download now, free.
[ad_2]
