![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #61789](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/celine-dion1-1024x576.jpg "Man with Celine Dion's rare disease warns her comeback could be dangerous")
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A former marathon runner who was diagnosed with the same condition asCeline Dionworries that crowds could be a “trigger” during the singer’s recently announced comeback.
Jon Kelf, 56, was a five-time marathon runner before he was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) in 2019, SWNS reported.Dion revealed her own diagnosis in late 2022.
SPS causes progressivemuscle stiffnessand severe muscle spasms that can lead to chronic pain, falls and loss of mobility over time, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center.
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“In some cases, spasms are so severe that they can cause falls, broken bones and dislocated joints,” the center notes on its website.
While this rare condition is not fatal, its symptoms can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life.
Singer Celine Dion performs onstage during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The disease is often triggered byemotional stressor noise, elements Kelf calls “particularly debilitating.” He shared with SWNS that he never expected Dion to perform again.
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“I was a bit surprised.Especially when she talked about the dancing.I couldn’t dance before the diagnosis, let alone afterwards,” said Kelf, who has no medical involvement or knowledge of Dion’s case personally.
“Obviously, she has the resources to get thebest treatmentavailable, but even still, it’s quite remarkable.”
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In 2019, the former engineer started feeling his legs tighten up and stiffen anytime he was nervous or tense, but dismissed the odd sensations until one day, he stood and couldn’t move.
Kelf can now barely walk and has been forced to quit his job.
A former marathon runner with stiff-person syndrome said crowds could be a trigger for Dion’s comeback.(Jon Kelf )
Dion has announced 10 shows in September and October at the 40,000-capacity Paris la Défense Arena, planned at three- to four-day intervals.
The intervals will be crucial for Dion to pace herself, restand medicatebetween shows, according to Kelf.
the disorder.
Stiff-person syndrome causes stiffness of the limbs and muscles.Kelf can now barely walk and has been forced to quit his job.(Jon Kelf / SWNS)
“I think it could undermine how seriously people take us, other sufferers,” he told SWNS.
While he views the tour as positive and inspiring, Kelf said he hopes it will lead to more support for others who are suffering.
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“If I’m out in public, people don’t see the worst of it,” he added.“It’s the same with her, they only see the good side.”
�s representatives for comment.
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