Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has opened up about her private struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. In a candid interview on the Today show, the couple discussed her diagnosis, the challenges they have faced, and a promising new non-invasive surgical procedure that aims to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms associated with this neurological disorder.
A Long Journey to Diagnosis
At 60, King-Crews reflected on the early signs of Parkinson’s that began manifesting around 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during workouts. “I just had some light numbness in my left foot,” she recalled. Concerned, her trainer noticed that her arm wasn’t swinging normally as she walked. After several alarming developments, including tremors that reminded her of her grandmother’s experiences, King-Crews sought medical advice.
Despite her persistent symptoms, she faced a frustrating three-year wait for a definitive diagnosis. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she shared with host Craig Melvin. “It took three years to diagnose me.” During this time, she continued to juggle various creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line. Her resilience shines through as she declared, “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Non-Invasive Treatment Brings Relief
In 2015, King-Crews was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a progressive disorder that affects movement and can cause a range of symptoms, including tremors and muscle stiffness. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, but new treatments are emerging. King-Crews recently underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure that utilises ultrasound waves directed at specific brain areas to alleviate movement-related symptoms.
Following the treatment, she expressed optimism about her recovery. “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 reported. The procedure has provided her with hope, and she plans to undergo a second treatment in September to further address symptoms affecting her left side. “It’s about three months of recovery,” she noted. “As you recover, you see more improvement.”
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now, after years of keeping her diagnosis private, in hopes of raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential for new treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she stated firmly. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
She emphasised the importance of making such treatments accessible, as they often come with high costs and are not universally covered by insurance. “It’s an expensive surgery—it’s not covered yet—to just give hope to people with Parkinson’s, because I believe that we’re going to find a cure,” she said, highlighting her commitment to advocacy.
Terry Crews also expressed his emotional journey alongside his wife. He noted the challenges they have faced together over the years, including the toll of the disease on their daily lives. “To watch her write her name for the first time in three years, I don’t know what to say. I’m choked up just thinking about it,” he admitted.
The Broader Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
According to Parkinson Canada, over 120,000 individuals in Canada are living with Parkinson’s disease, illustrating the widespread impact of this condition. While there may not be a cure at present, various treatments, including medications and therapies, can significantly improve quality of life for those affected.
King-Crews’ story is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to face chronic illness and the urgency of advancing medical treatments that can change lives. Her journey not only shines a light on the realities of living with Parkinson’s but also underscores the need for ongoing research and support for innovative therapies.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ candid revelation about her battle with Parkinson’s disease not only personalises a condition that affects many but also serves as a clarion call for awareness and support. By sharing her journey, she inspires hope for countless individuals navigating similar challenges while advocating for greater access to groundbreaking treatments. Her story reinforces the critical need for continued innovation in medical science and the importance of societal empathy towards those facing chronic health issues.
