By: Olivia Xia

In an Instagram post in December 2022, Celine Dion revealed her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a rare nuerogical condition. Now, 2 years later, a new documentary directed by Irene Taylor shows us her struggles with the rare autoimmune disorder.

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is an extremely rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness in the torso. Often spreading to other areas, a person with SPS will experience ridgidness and spasms in muscles. Muscle spasms are extremely painful, and are triggered by stress or other external factors, creating enough force to break bones.

In the documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, fans see her moaning as she has a seizure on the floor, as it becomes clear that she cannot even move her body.

“I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate,” She said via Instagram. “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again soon.”

There is no cure for stiff person syndrome, but it can be kept under control with certain drugs, as well as physical occupational and aqua therapy. Stiff person syndrome is not fatal, but can cause death from blood clots or wound infections due immobility.

One shot in the documentary shows her eerily empty living room, in comparison to her playing in packed stadium. She might never perform on stage again.

She had always wanted to sing her entire life, intensifies the tragedy of watching Dion, now 56, truggle to continue to live that dream. Celine Dion’s shows the cruel reality to sickness, and her fans from all over the world hope for her to recover soon.

Illness can happen to anyone, even one of the most revered figures in pop music.