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Céline Dion Feeling 'Giant Wave of Love' as She Turns 55 After Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis

"Thanks to everyone for the birthday messages," the vocal powerhouse shared on Instagram

Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Image Céline Dion
Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Image Céline Dion

Céline Dion is staying thankful.

On Friday, the five-time Grammy winner expressed her gratitude for birthday wishes as she turned 55 — a little more than three months after revealing her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome.

"I felt this giant wave of love," the vocal powerhouse shared on her Instagram Story, "thanks to everyone for the birthday messages!"

Celine Dion/Instagram Celine Dion's Instagram Story
Celine Dion/Instagram Celine Dion's Instagram Story

Related:Céline Dion Shares Intimate Family Christmas Photo with Each of Her 3 Sons in Matching Pajamas

Elsewhere, Dion's official account uploaded a sweet video featuring several heartfelt family memories and birthday moments, encouraging fans to extend their love to the star.

"On this very special day, we'd like to wish you, dear Celine, a very happy 55th birthday! ❤ 🎂," the account shared. "To all of you fans who would like to leave a message for Celine on this occasion, please do so by posting your video or picture on your Instagram, Twitter or TikTok account using the hashtag #LetsTalkAboutLove25 so we can add it to the message board."

Dion also shared a clip from her cast mates on Love Again — Sam Heughan and Priyanka Chopra — as they called her birthday "one of the biggest days of the year." Dion is set to star in the upcoming rom-com as a fictionalized version of herself, as she helps a journalist assigned to profiling her to find love.

"Just like our movie, you are a real-life fairy godmother," Chopra shared, to which Heughan added, "Thank you for giving the world your love and your music."

Dion's birthday arrives shortly after her revelation of Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms. Sharing the news in an Instagram clip, Dion said her condition would force her to postpone and cancel a series of upcoming concert dates.

"I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through," she wrote in the caption of the post. "It hurts me to tell you that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February."

James Devaney/GC Images Céline Dion
James Devaney/GC Images Céline Dion

Related:Céline Dion Diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome — Here's What to Know About the Rare Condition

The Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation notes that Dion's condition affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It can leave patients "disabled, wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves," per the foundation, which adds that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include "hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety," and muscle spasms "so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones."

Dion revealed at the time that her spasms can cause "difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to."

"Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon," she concluded at the time. "Thank you."

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A source told PEOPLE late last year that Dion is "focusing on her health and children" — three sons — René-Charles, 22, and 12-year-old twins Nelson and Eddy. "Celine is overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support from her fans," the source said. "It's been a very difficult time and she has a hard road ahead of her, but she is doing everything she can to get back on stage and see her fans."

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