In an emotional segment on the *Today* show, Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease since 2015. The couple shared insights into her journey and discussed a pioneering non-invasive surgical procedure that has recently provided her with much-needed relief from the symptoms of this debilitating condition.
A Long Journey to Diagnosis
At 60 years old, King-Crews opened up about the early signs of Parkinson’s she began experiencing more than a decade ago. It all started around 2012 when she noticed a slight numbness in her left foot during workouts. Her personal trainer quickly pointed out that her arm was not swinging as she walked, a subtle but telling sign of the disorder.
“I woke up one morning, and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” she recounted on the show. Despite these alarming symptoms, King-Crews faced a frustrating three-year wait for a formal diagnosis. Initially misdiagnosed, she claimed that her doctor believed she was experiencing anxiety, while a neurologist was uncertain about her condition. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she said candidly.
New Horizons in Treatment
After years of grappling with the effects of Parkinson’s—characterised by tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness—King-Crews finally received her diagnosis in 2015. With no known cure, she has since been on a quest to manage her symptoms. Recently, she underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, which utilises ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain believed to influence movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s.
“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 expressed post-treatment. King-Crews is currently in recovery, noting that the full effects of the procedure could take up to three months to manifest.
Advocating for Awareness and Hope
King-Crews aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and the potential of innovative treatments. After keeping her diagnosis private for nearly a decade, she feels compelled to share her story. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me. I believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she stated passionately.
She also highlighted the financial barriers associated with this new treatment, which is currently not covered by insurance, and expressed hope that by sharing her experience, others might benefit. “It’s an expensive surgery, but I believe we’re going to find a cure,” she added optimistically.
A Supportive Partnership
Terry Crews, visibly emotional, spoke about the toll his wife’s illness has taken on both of them over the years. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very hard,” he admitted. He recalled the joy he felt when he saw her writing her name for the first time in years, saying, “I’m choked up just thinking about it.”
Their enduring partnership has been a source of strength throughout this challenging journey. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together,” he remarked, underscoring their commitment to supporting each other.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ story sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease. With over 120,000 individuals in Canada affected by this disorder, her experience highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and access to innovative treatments. As she champions her own journey, King-Crews not only advocates for herself but also for the countless others grappling with similar challenges, illuminating a path towards hope and healing in the face of adversity.
