In a heartfelt revelation, Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed that she has been grappling with Parkinson’s disease since 2015. During a recent appearance on the *Today* show, the couple shared insights into her diagnosis and discussed a promising non-invasive surgical treatment that she has undergone to alleviate her symptoms. This condition, which affects the central nervous system, significantly influences motor functions and quality of life.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews reflected on her journey with Parkinson’s, revealing that initial symptoms emerged as early as 2012. It began with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during exercise. As time progressed, she noticed changes in her motor skills, including a lack of arm swing while walking. “I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” King-Crews recalled, highlighting the moment she recognised the seriousness of her condition.
Despite her alarming symptoms, King-Crews faced challenges in securing a diagnosis. Medical professionals initially attributed her symptoms to anxiety, which delayed her understanding of the true nature of her illness. “It took three years to diagnose me,” she stated candidly, underscoring the difficulties many patients face in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses.
Advances in Treatment
After years of uncertainty, King-Crews finally received her diagnosis in 2015. Parkinson’s disease leads to progressive damage within the brain, resulting in a spectrum of debilitating symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and slow movements. With no known cure, the focus remains on managing symptoms effectively.
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This innovative treatment targets specific areas of the brain associated with movement symptoms in Parkinson’s, as explained by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. King-Crews expressed optimism following the treatment, stating, “I feel good. I’m able to write my name and my dates… I’m seeing improvement in my symptoms.”
She plans to undergo a second procedure in September to address lingering issues, such as numbness and tremors on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out,” she admitted. “Part of the procedure is to improve symptoms, so you’re improved on one side and not on the other.”
Raising Awareness and Hope
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now in the hopes of raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the groundbreaking treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she remarked. “I believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through… has been very, very hard,” he expressed, reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing his wife’s struggles. He emphasized the power of their partnership, stating, “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals live with Parkinson’s disease. While there is currently no cure, treatment options such as medication and therapies can significantly improve quality of life. King-Crews’ advocacy may serve to inspire others facing similar battles, highlighting the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ openness about her Parkinson’s journey is not just a personal narrative; it serves as a beacon of hope for countless others affected by this condition. By sharing her experience, she sheds light on the challenges of diagnosis and the potential of emerging treatments. As awareness grows, so too does the possibility of improved care for those living with Parkinson’s disease, reinforcing the notion that while the path may be fraught with difficulties, progress is attainable.
