Rebecca King-Crews, fashion designer and wife of actor Terry Crews, has revealed her private struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. During a heartfelt segment on the Today show, the couple discussed King-Crews’ diagnosis and the recent non-invasive surgical treatment she underwent to alleviate some of her symptoms, shedding light on a condition that affects millions worldwide.
A Journey of Symptoms and Diagnosis
At the age of 60, King-Crews disclosed that the first signs of Parkinson’s emerged around 2012, beginning with an unusual numbness in her left foot during exercise. She recounted, “In 2012, I just had some light numbness in my left foot. Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk.” The situation escalated when she experienced a tremor in her hand, which she recognised due to a family history of similar symptoms.
Despite her growing concerns, King-Crews faced significant delays in obtaining a formal diagnosis. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and a neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on,” she explained to Craig Melvin on Today. “It took three years to diagnose me.” During this challenging period, she remained industrious, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. “Just keep going. That’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed.
Innovative Treatment Offers Hope
In 2015, King-Crews received a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which is characterised by a gradual decline in motor function due to brain damage. Currently, there is no cure for this condition, which can cause tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. However, King-Crews recently underwent a promising treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure utilises ultrasound waves, directed by MRI, to target specific areas of the brain linked to motor symptoms.
Post-treatment, King-Crews expressed her optimism, stating, “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 highlighted her ongoing progress, noting, “I can do a port de bras on my right leg, balancing on that leg,” while also preparing for a second procedure aimed at addressing residual symptoms on her left side.
Raising Awareness and Advancing the Conversation
The decision to share her journey publicly came after a decade of living with the diagnosis privately. King-Crews emphasised her desire to raise awareness rather than elicit sympathy. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she stated, highlighting the importance of making such treatments accessible to others.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his admiration for his wife’s courage, stating, “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard.” He expressed hope that these new treatments could signify a turning point in the quest for a cure, adding, “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
The Broader Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson Canada estimates that over 120,000 individuals in Canada live with this condition. While there is currently no definitive cure, therapeutic options, including medication, physiotherapy, and exercise, can significantly enhance quality of life. King-Crews’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s, as well as the importance of continued research and development of innovative treatments.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid revelation about her battle with Parkinson’s disease shines a spotlight on the necessity of awareness and understanding regarding this debilitating condition. Her experience illustrates the resilience of individuals living with chronic illnesses and the critical need for advancements in medical treatments. By sharing her journey, King-Crews not only inspires hope for others affected by Parkinson’s but also advocates for broader access to emerging therapies, potentially changing the landscape of care for millions in the future.
