Celine Dion in tears talking about her battle with a life-threatening illness

The documentary film I Am: Celine Dion has just released its trailer. Through this film, the Canadian singer shares her longing for the stage and the audience during the tough days of battling with illness.

Celine Dion's condition of stiff person syndrome has completely disrupted her work and life. This syndrome gradually turns the affected person into a "living statue", as the body loses its flexibility and mobility. The incidence rate of this syndrome is very low, only about one in a million people.

While dealing with the illness, patients experience painful muscle spasms in recurring episodes. The disease can become severe to the point where the patient loses the ability to walk, unable to perform simple daily tasks. This is a condition for which an effective treatment method has not yet been found.

At the end of 2022, Celine Dion publicly announced her illness for the first time. Subsequently, she had to cancel all her performance schedule. In the trailer, Celine says, "It's not hard to do a performance, but it's really hard to have to postpone or cancel one.

I have been trying every day, but I am truly in a struggle. I miss the feeling of being on stage. If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk anymore, I'll crawl, but I won't stop."

The trailer also shows Celine undergoing physical therapy, alongside clips documenting her career journey over the decades.

Celine Dion in tears talking about her illness (Photo: New York Post).

The 56-year-old singer stated that making this documentary is very important to her: "The past two years have been extremely challenging for me. From the discovery of the illness to learning to live with it, but without succumbing to it, it has truly been a difficult journey.

The path to continue my performing career is still quite long ahead. I miss the feeling of standing on stage and seeing the audience. During my absence and inability to perform, I decided to document a period in my life. I hope to raise awareness about this rare disease."

In fact, Celine Dion's illness was at times so severe that she thought she was close to death. However, overcoming the darkest times, her condition has gradually improved.

Back in March this year, Celine made a statement through her personal social media account, that she will return to performing activities.

Celine Dion goes through periods of exhaustion during treatment (Photo: New York Post).

Celine Dion undergoes daily physical therapy to fight back against the illness (Photo: New York Post).

"Trying to overcome the illness is one of the toughest experiences in my life. But I am still determined that one day, I will reappear on stage, living the most normal life possible.

I am very grateful for the love and support that my children, family, colleagues, and all of you have shown me. I want to send encouragement to all those in the world who are struggling with stiff person syndrome."