Céline Dion began promoting public awareness of cystic fibrosis in 1982, when, as an adolescent, she embarked on her singing career. Once referred to as la p'tite Québécoise, Céline was virtually unknown outside her native province of Quebec. Now, Céline Dion is an international superstar, but during all the successes in her life, one element has remained constant — her commitment to the fight against cystic fibrosis.
That commitment is marked by real life tragedy: Céline’s niece, Karine, who had cystic fibrosis died, in her aunt’s presence. Karine was only 16 years old.
Céline began supporting the CF cause at the regional level of the Foundation, through her collaboration with the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association (QCFA), the Foundation's provincial arm in Quebec. She helped spread the Foundation's message by participating in media interviews, QCFA public service campaigns and fundraising activities.
In August 1993, Céline strengthened her commitment by graciously accepting the Foundation's invitation to be its national Celebrity Patron. As part of her increased involvement, Céline participated in the Foundation's Canada-wide public awareness campaign, from 1994 to 1997. The central message of this campaign featuring Céline and Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a child with CF from Hull, Quebec, was one of both hope and urgency. Hope, that a cure or an effective control for cystic fibrosis will be found. Urgency, for continued public support is required to realize this goal.
In addition to promoting public awareness of the CF cause, Céline generates significant revenues for cystic fibrosis research and treatment from Canadian and international sources, and has generously donated to the Foundation her appearance fees from several concerts and guest appearances. In 1996, Céline helped the Foundation to secure an important new sponsorship with Royal Airlines.
There is no doubt that Céline's immense popularity, both in Canada and internationally, will continue to benefit the CF cause. As her songs reach a wider audience all over the world, she is now in a position to appeal to the generosity of a greater number of people. Each year and each step of her involvement have brought us closer to victory against cystic fibrosis.
Highlights of Céline's volunteer support to the CF cause over the years:
1982
Céline accepts the title of "Marraine" of the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association (QCFA)
1983
Accompanied by the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand-Montréal, Céline gives her first solo benefit concert for the CCFF at the Place des Arts in Montreal.
1984
Céline records her first televised CCFF public service announcement with her niece, Karine.
1985
Céline participates in a CCFF benefit gala, in Ottawa, following a special hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.
1986
Céline's song "Mélanie", which has come to be associated with cystic fibrosis, wins many prestigious awards.
1987
Céline records a public service announcement with Caroline Pazzy, who has cystic fibrosis.
1988
Céline gives a benefit concert for the CCFF at the CÉGEP Édouard-Montpetit and the Polyvalente André-Laurendeau in Saint-Hubert, Quebec.
1989
Céline chairs two important media conferences: in August, the announcement of the discovery of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis; and in September, the first double-lung transplant in Quebec on a patient with CF.
1990
Céline participates in a televised benefit gala for the CCFF— "A Gift of Love" organized by Mrs. Mila Mulroney and featuring David Foster, Christopher Plummer, and many other celebrities.
Céline records a public service announcement for the QCFA's 1990 fundraising campaign.
She acts as spokesperson for the first Quebec-wide fundraising draw supporting CCFF-funded CF research.
1991
Céline records a video public service announcement for the 1991 QCFA campaign.
To mark the 10th anniversary of her career and of her volunteer work for the QCFA, she gives a benefit concert at the Montreal Forum and the Agora de Québec.
1993
In May, Céline's niece, Karine, loses her fight against cystic fibrosis and dies in Céline's presence.
In August, Céline agrees to expand her role in the CF community, by accepting the position of Celebrity Patron of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
1994
Céline participates with Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a nine-year-old with CF from Hull, Quebec, in the Foundation's national public awareness campaign.
In December, Céline performs a CF benefit concert at Montreal's Palais des Congrès.
On the occasion of their wedding, Céline and René Angélil invite guests to contribute their wedding gifts to the CF cause.
1996
Céline performs a CF benefit concert at a gala dinner at Montreal's Palais des Congrès. During this concert, she announces a major new sponsorship with Royal Airlines that she personally helped to secure for the Canadian CF Foundation.
1997
Céline very generously donates her appearance fees from a New York City concert, and from her guest appearance on the television show, The Nanny, to the Foundation's SPARX program.
1998
In April 1998, Céline receives the title of 'Officer of the Order of Quebec'. One month later, she receives the title of 'Officer of the Order of Canada'.
In September, Céline performs a benefit concert in Toronto, raising almost $1 million for CCFF-funded CF research.
She appears on the 100th episode of the television program Touched by an Angel. Her appearance fee for this episode is donated to the Foundation.
1999
Céline performs a benefit concert in Palm Beach, Florida for the CF cause. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Céline agrees to wear a pair of diamond-studded Ray-Ban sunglasses to the Academy Awards, in exchange for a contribution to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
On December 31, Céline performs a benefit concert in Montreal for several causes, including cystic fibrosis. It is her last concert before her sabbatical leave from the professional scene.
2000 - 2001
Céline and her manager and husband, René, take a leave from their professional duties. However, they remain strong supporters of the CF cause and the Foundation, and continue to represent a constant source of hope and inspiration for all individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
2001-2002
In 2001, the "Céline Rose" is introduced with one dollar from the sale of each rose bush coming to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The rose was sold in Quebec nurseries and garden centres in 2001. Distribution expanded internationally in 2002.
2002
Céline returns to public life. A portion of a significant donation made by Céline and René to the Foundation in 2000 is steered towards the Special Research Initiative in Memory of Michael O’Reilly.
2003-2004
Céline and René Angélil continue their significant support for the Foundation’s work. The couple designate the Breathe (Basic Research and Therapy) program for the remaining portion of a gift made in 2000, and pledge further support for this important initiative that will target the basic defect in cystic fibrosis through the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Céline generously donates tickets to her Las Vegas show A New Day...created by Dragone at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to be used as fundraisers by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
