Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, the couple discussed her diagnosis and shared insights about a promising new non-invasive surgical treatment that aims to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms associated with this neurodegenerative disorder.
A Decade of Silence
At 60 years old, King-Crews opened up about her experience with Parkinson’s, revealing that her journey began nearly a decade ago. The first signs of the disease manifested in 2012 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,” King-Crews recounted.
The diagnosis was not immediate; after a three-year ordeal of misdiagnoses and consultations, she was finally confirmed to have Parkinson’s disease in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she explained to Craig Melvin during the interview. “It took three years to diagnose me.” Despite the challenges, King-Crews continued to pursue her passions, working on various creative projects throughout this tumultuous period.
A New Hope: Non-Invasive Treatment
Recently, King-Crews underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which uses ultrasound waves targeted at specific areas of the brain to help manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Describing her recovery, she shared, “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.” The procedure, guided by MRI technology, has provided her with renewed hope and improvement in her condition.
King-Crews plans to have a second treatment in September, focusing on alleviating symptoms such as tremors and numbness on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she noted, acknowledging the complexities of her recovery process.
Raising Awareness
After keeping her diagnosis private for a decade, King-Crews felt compelled to share her story to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential of emerging treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she asserted. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
She hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, especially given the costly nature of the surgery, which is not yet covered by insurance. “I’m excited about the possibility,” she remarked, expressing optimism that a cure for Parkinson’s may be on the horizon.
Terry Crews, visibly emotional during the interview, praised his wife’s resilience. “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 said. He further emphasized the importance of their partnership through adversity, reflecting on the nearly 37 years they have been together.
The Broader Picture
According to Parkinson Canada, over 120,000 individuals in Canada are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no definitive cure, treatments and therapies such as physiotherapy and exercise play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for those affected.
With King-Crews’ courage in sharing her experience, she contributes to a growing dialogue about the significance of early diagnosis, ongoing research, and the importance of support for those living with chronic conditions.
Why it Matters
The openness displayed by Rebecca King-Crews not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by individuals with Parkinson’s but also highlights the urgent need for continued research and funding for innovative treatments. By raising awareness around her journey, she not only empowers others with similar diagnoses but also fosters a sense of community and hope, reminding us all of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
