Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has publicly shared her struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. The couple appeared on the Today show to discuss her diagnosis, the challenges she has faced, and a promising non-invasive surgical procedure she recently underwent to alleviate her symptoms.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews has lived with the reality of Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, with her initial symptoms surfacing around 2012. While exercising, she first noticed a peculiar numbness in her left foot, which was soon followed by other unsettling signs. “About 2012, I just had some light numbness in my left foot. Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk,” she recounted.
The diagnosis journey was not straightforward. Initially, a neurologist was uncertain about her condition, attributing her symptoms to anxiety. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them. It took three years to diagnose me,” she shared. Throughout this time, King-Crews continued her creative pursuits, including working on a book, an album, and a clothing line.
Embracing New Hope
In 2015, after years of uncertainty, she received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This neurodegenerative disorder gradually affects motor functions, leading to symptoms such as tremors and stiffness. Unfortunately, no cure exists at present. Recently, however, King-Crews underwent a groundbreaking procedure called bilateral focused ultrasound, aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
“I feel good. I’m able to write my name and my dates, and I’m able to write with my right hand for the first time in probably three years,” she stated, expressing her optimism post-treatment. The procedure utilises focused ultrasound waves guided by MRI to target specific areas of the brain responsible for movement.
King-Crews is set to have a second procedure in September to further address symptoms affecting her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” she remarked, acknowledging the complexities of recovery. “You’re improved on one side and not on the other, so it can make you feel a little more aware of the other.”
Raising Awareness
Choosing to share her journey publicly now, after a decade of privacy, King-Crews aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and innovative treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she asserted. Instead, she views her experience as an opportunity to highlight the advancements in medical treatments that could offer hope to others battling the disease.
The financial burden of such treatments can be significant, as they are often not covered by insurance. King-Crews expressed her hope that by shining a light on her experience, more individuals facing similar challenges might find encouragement. “I believe that we’re going to find a cure,” she stated confidently.
Support from Family
Terry Crews has been a steadfast support system for his wife throughout her illness. He expressed his deep admiration for King-Crews, stating, “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard.” He highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing her struggles, from tremors to disrupted sleep and loss of balance.
Reflecting on her resilience, he added, “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together. We build each other up like that for almost 37 years, and all the way to forever.”
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ decision to share her story serves not only as a beacon of hope for those living with Parkinson’s disease but also underscores the importance of advocacy for medical advancements. With over 120,000 people in Canada alone diagnosed with Parkinson’s, raising awareness about available treatments is crucial. As society progresses towards better healthcare solutions, personal narratives like King-Crews’ can be instrumental in fostering understanding and support for those affected by this debilitating condition.
