Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a revelation shared during a recent appearance on the *Today* show. Since her diagnosis in 2015, King-Crews has been navigating the challenges of this progressive neurological disorder, which primarily affects motor functions. In an inspiring discussion, she also highlighted a new non-invasive surgical procedure that offers hope for symptom relief.
A Long Journey to Diagnosis
At 60, King-Crews revealed that her initial symptoms of Parkinson’s emerged around 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during workouts. “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 during the interview. It wasn’t long before she experienced tremors, which she recognised from her grandmother’s struggles with the same condition.
Despite her increasing symptoms, King-Crews faced a lengthy journey to a definitive diagnosis. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she remarked on her experience with doctors who initially attributed her symptoms to anxiety. “It took three years to diagnose me.” In that time, she continued to work on various creative projects, embodying resilience through her challenges. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed, reflecting her determination not to succumb to despair.
New Hope Through Innovative Treatment
After receiving her official diagnosis, King-Crews has been actively seeking ways to manage her condition. Recently, she underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a cutting-edge non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain associated with movement symptoms. The procedure is guided by MRI technology to ensure precision.
“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 shared, expressing her joy over the improvements she has experienced post-treatment. King-Crews plans to pursue a second procedure in September, aimed at alleviating lingering symptoms like numbness and tremors on her left side.
“It’s an ongoing process,” she acknowledged. “You’re improved on one side and not on the other, so it can make you feel a little more aware of the other.” Her commitment to raising awareness about Parkinson’s stems from her desire to help others facing similar battles. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she said, emphasising the importance of hope and innovation in the fight against this challenging disease.
A Message of Resilience and Hope
Terry Crews expressed his admiration for his wife’s strength, noting the challenges she has faced over the past decade. “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 shared, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing her struggle. Their bond, strengthened through adversity, exemplifies a partnership committed to overcoming life’s challenges together.
King-Crews has chosen to speak out now after years of keeping her diagnosis private. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she explained, instead focusing on fostering awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease. She hopes that sharing her journey will provide encouragement and hope to others facing similar battles.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid revelation about her Parkinson’s diagnosis and the innovative treatment she is undergoing underscores the vital importance of raising awareness about this condition. With over 120,000 individuals in Canada living with Parkinson’s, her story shines a light on the need for increased research, funding, and support for those affected. By advocating for new treatments and sharing her personal journey, King-Crews not only inspires others but also contributes to a broader conversation about the future of Parkinson’s care—a conversation that holds the promise of hope and progress in the medical community.
