Céline Dion
Following her August 2022 diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome and her December announcement, the artist has not made many public appearances.
Céline Dion continues to preach optimism months after she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome and gave an incredible return performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the music icon, 56, received a standing ovation as she appeared on stage at the City of Hope’s 2024 Spirit of Life Gala to present the Spirit of Life Award, which honours leaders for their notable contributions to their community and profession, to Jay Marciano, Chairman and CEO of AEG Presents.
The gala is part of the cancer research and treatment organization’s annual philanthropic campaign, which benefits childhood, adolescent, and young adult survivorship programs.
Céline Dion, who hasn’t been in the spotlight much since receiving a stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in August 2022 and announcing it to the world that December, informed guests at the event, “Since I was up on that tower, I have never been on a stage before. I kind of miss it, too.
“What a fitting name for our City of Hope. It accomplishes much more than the crucial research that results in novel therapies. It offers care to people at the most trying and trying period, when they are most in need. “That is really crucial,” she continued.
“It provides the most precious ingredient; it provides hope. And I know how important that is,” continued Céline Dion. “I know that in our wonderful lives, filled with family and joy and love, we can also be presented with tremendous challenges, with great tests about faith and strength. To many of us who experience this at some point, what a joy it is to come together with everyone in this room tonight to do everything we can to help spread this great gift of hope.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, stiff-person syndrome is “a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness in your trunk and abdomen.”
Céline Dion appeared on stage three months after she made a triumphant return in July for the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris. The musician closed out the hours-long event with a rendition of Édith Piaf’s song “Hymne A L’Amour” (Hymn to Love). The performance took place live from the base of the Eiffel Tower.
“I’m thrilled to be back in one of my favourite cities and honoured to have performed tonight at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony!” Céline Dion posted on Instagram. Above all, I’m thrilled to be honouring these incredible athletes and their tales of selflessness, tenacity, suffering, and sacrifice. I hope that being here signifies that your dream has come true, regardless of whether you win a medal. You have all been so focused on it,
This article was initially published on people.com
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