CELINE DION - Inside Her HEALTH BATTLE

SHE'S BEEN PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A RARE NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER

- Rick Egusquiza

Celine Dion was hoping to return to the stage in February but, sadly, fate had other plans. “I have no choice but to concentrate on my health,” the French-Canadian singer told fans in early December, “and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.”

Since revealing that she has been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer, who has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, has seen a deluge of get-well messages from fans in every country. “She’s received so many supportive calls, texts and messages,” says a friend. “And it helps, but Celine was devastated by the news.”

Last January, Celine still didn’t know what was afflicting her when “severe and persistent muscle spasms” forced her to postpone a string of tour dates. “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’m used to,” she explained.