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'There's little we can do': Celine Dion's sister Claudette praises singer as she battles 'awful illness'

Claudette Dion said the family has their fingers crossed 'that researchers will come together to find a way to help our little sister'

QUEBEC, CANADA: Celine Dion’s older sister Claudette, who is also an established singer, just gave an update on her sibling’s health. She told Hello! Canada, "She's a strong woman. You know, in our family, singing is a passion. We can't deny it. Whether we have a headache, or a heartache, whatever is going on, we can't live without it.”

“It will always be a passion for her. We're crossing our fingers that researchers will find a remedy for this awful illness," she said amid Celine’s struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome.

What is Stiff Person Syndrome?

According to Hopkins Medicine, “Stiff person syndrome is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that most commonly causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time.”

Claudette revealed that her sister experiences spasms, which are ‘impossible to control.’

"You know how people often jump up in the night because of a cramp in the leg or the calf? It's a bit like that but in all muscles. There's little we can do to support her, to alleviate her pain," the 74-year-old said.

"We pray and cross our fingers that researchers will come together to find a way to help our little sister. She's someone who’s given so much love, so much time. She’s been there for so many people. Everyone around the world loves her."

Which number is lucky for Celine Dion?

Canadian icon's lucky number is 5, and her sister is optimistic that her health will soon improve. "This year she turned 55—twice the number 5! I'm convinced good things will happen. I wish her a miracle. I hope something wonderful happens, because this is her lucky year," Claudette added.

Celine shared her diagnosis with the world on social media in December 2022. In an emotional video, she revealed the 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."

Celine canceled her tour dates through April 2024. A source told, “It’s heartbreaking that she has had to cancel touring but she is suffering mobility and other issues from the disease disrupting her daily life."

“She is doing everything she can while working with doctors because she wants to perform,” the insider said. “She has not given up at all. She is hoping to get all of the issues with this disease under control so she can sing again."

What albums has Claudette Dion released?

Claudette Dion is a well-known singer, who performs mostly in her native tongue, French. Some of her most admired albums include ‘Hymnes À L'amour,’ ‘C'Est Beau La Vie,’ ‘Ce Matin,’ and ‘Dis-Le Moi.’ She is renowned for her covers of Edith Piaf songs.