The donation will support research and education in autoimmune neurological disorders, including stiff-person syndrome, the rare condition the Canadian singer was diagnosed with.
- Jun 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Celine Dion has pledged $2 million to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to create the Celine Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology. This donation will support research and education in autoimmune neurological disorders, including stiff-person syndrome, the rare condition Dion was diagnosed with.
The announcement was made at the special New York screening of Dion's upcoming documentary, "I Am: Celine Dion", which follows her journey over the past year. Amanda Piquet, MD, FAAN, director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, will be the inaugural chair holder.
According to a press release, the Autoimmune Neurology Program aims to provide the best neurological care while improving the quality of life for patients with autoimmune neurological disorders, integrating education and research into clinical practice. The donation will provide financial support for students, research expenditures, participation in conferences, and other initiatives prioritized by the chair holder.
Dion, who received a standing ovation at the documentary's screening, acknowledged Dr. Piquet during her speech, praising her for replacing her fear with hope. The documentary, directed by Irene Taylor, offers rare access to Dion's personal life and her journey of discovering and managing her condition.
This donation is a significant contribution to the study of autoimmune neurological disorders. It builds on the legacy of Celine Dion's late husband, Rene Angelil, who played a pivotal role in her career and financial success. Dion is now using her platform to give back in a meaningful way, supporting research and education in an area that has profound personal resonance for her.
