Celine Dion, 55, poses with her three sons in a rare family photo on Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day as she expresses gratitude ‘for the love’ she has received since her diagnosis in 2022

Celine Dion posed with her three sons on Stiff Person Syndrome Awareness Day in a new image shared to her main Instagram page on Friday.

The My Heart Will Go On singer, 55 – who was recently spotted on a rare outing in New York earlier this month – kept a smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around twins Eddy and Nelson, 13, while the eldest son Rene-Charles Angelil , 23, sat in the front seat.

The singer shares her three boys with late husband and music producer Rene Angelil – who passed away in 2016 after a battle with throat cancer.

In the caption of the photo, Celine wrote to her 6.4 million followers: “Today the world recognizes International SPS Awareness Day.”

“As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) in the fall of 2022,” she continued.

‘Trying to overcome this autoimmune disease has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back on stage and live as normal a life as possible.’

The star then said, “I am deeply grateful for the love and support of my children, family, team and all of you!”

‘I would like to send my encouragement and support to everyone around the world affected by SPS. I want you to know that you can do it! We can do it! Love Celine xx…’, Dion concluded.

Social media users took to the comments section to share their support for the star, with one fan typing ‘I love you Celine’ followed by a white heart emoji.

Perez Hilton wrote: “You are so loved!!” while another added: ‘You can do it ❤️ your old soul and your voice are here to heal all over the world.’

In December 2022, Celine revealed in an emotional video that she had been diagnosed with the rare neurological disease.

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a degenerative condition that causes muscles to become uncontrollably tense and spastic. Ultimately, it leaves patients resembling “human statues” as the body gradually locks up, leaving people unable to walk or talk.

There is no cure for SPS, but there are steps that can be taken to slow the symptoms – something Celine revealed she is researching.

After battling her illness behind the scenes, Celine made her first public appearance in almost three years last November when she attended an ice hockey match with her three sons.

In the footage posted online, Celine appeared cheerful as she greeted players and fans in the changing rooms after the match.

Last month in February, the singer made a surprise appearance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards to present Album of the Year to Taylor Swift.

A source said this at the time Page six that Dion wanted to show the stiff person syndrome ‘is not a death sentence.’

She ‘waved away’ Swift and ignored her as she accepted the Grammy award – with the pair even posing together backstage at the ceremony.

“I don’t think Celine cared and they chatted backstage afterwards. But Celine was just friendly and happy to be there. Of course, the right thing would have been for Taylor to acknowledge her, like Adele did years ago.”

‘She wanted to show everyone that she is doing well. She has good days and bad days. It is a painful disease, but it is not a death sentence,” the source told the newspaper.

“She’s clearly capable of doing things and she wanted to show everyone that she’s back. She looked fantastic. The hope is that she can perform.”

Earlier this month, Celine was spotted on a rare outing in New York and remained positive as she gave a thumbs up to those around her.

She made another rare public appearance at the Edmonton Oilers hockey game in Las Vegas amid her battle with the disease.

In a video uploaded to the team’s main Instagram page, she was seen having a good time with the players in a locker room – and at one point Dion humorously imitated being a player.

One of the team’s players, left winger Zach Hyman, stood next to the singer and also laughed during the light-hearted and memorable interaction.

Earlier this week on Monday, Celine was spotted in Boston with her twin sons and others at a restaurant called Scampo, located in the Liberty Hotel.

A restaurant owner recently said this People“Everyone said she looked like a million bucks. Everyone said she looked beautiful.’

Speaking about her diagnosis in December 2022, Celine said: ‘Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing problems when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing like I am. used to.’

However, the mother of three explained that she has “an amazing team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children supporting and helping me.”

“I’m working hard every day with my sports medicine doctor to rebuild my strength and ability to perform, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”

‘All I know is to sing. It’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do,” she added emotionally. ‘I miss you very much. I miss seeing you all on stage performing in front of you….”

Dion said she “did everything she could to recover.” I would like to thank you so much for your wishes, love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me.’

In late December last year, a source told Us Weekly that Celine “doesn’t have as much control over her muscles as she used to, but she is working with doctors and physical therapists to get better.”

“Celine has taken time to focus on her health but plans to return to the stage as soon as her medical team has cleared.”

Her sister Claudette also told the French newspaper 7 Jours at the time: ‘She works hard, but she has no control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she has always been disciplined.”

‘She has always worked hard. Our mother always told her, “You’re going to do well, you’re going to do well.”

“It is true that both in our dreams and in hers the goal is to return to the stage. In what capacity? Don’t know.’