Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a struggle she has faced in silence since 2015. In a recent appearance on the *Today* show, King-Crews opened up about her diagnosis, the challenges it has posed, and a groundbreaking new non-invasive surgical procedure she recently undertook to alleviate her symptoms. This revelation sheds light on the personal journey of living with a neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor functions, as well as the advancements in treatment options now available to patients.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At the age of 60, King-Crews reflected on the early signs of her condition, which began manifesting around 2012. While exercising, she first experienced a peculiar numbness in her left foot. This symptom was soon accompanied by a noticeable change in her walking pattern; her trainer observed that her arm did not swing as she moved. It wasn’t long before King-Crews woke one morning to discover her hand shaking—a clear indicator of a tremor, reminiscent of the symptoms her grandmother had once faced.
Despite these alarming signs, King-Crews encountered a frustrating series of consultations before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Initially, her doctor suggested that her symptoms might be linked to anxiety, and a neurologist remained uncertain about her condition. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she recounted during her interview. Ultimately, it took three long years before she was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive condition that leads to a gradual decline in motor control and other neurological functions.
Embracing Life with Parkinson’s
Even during the uncertainty of her diagnosis, King-Crews continued to pursue her creative passions, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she asserted. For King-Crews, receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis was not the end; rather, it was a call to resilience. “You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she emphasised, showcasing her determination to live life fully despite the challenges she faced.
In 2015, the diagnosis was confirmed, leading to a profound journey of managing a condition that currently has no cure. The effects of Parkinson’s can vary widely, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movement, which King-Crews has been navigating for nearly a decade.
New Hope through Innovative Treatment
Recently, King-Crews underwent a pioneering treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound, aimed at alleviating her symptoms. This non-invasive procedure utilises ultrasound waves directed at specific areas of the brain, guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to target regions associated with movement disorders. Following the treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism about her recovery. “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, noting significant improvements in her symptoms.
Looking ahead, she plans to undergo a second procedure aimed at addressing residual numbness and tremors on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she explained, acknowledging the mixed experiences of recovery.
Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Hope
King-Crews chose to speak about her experience now, after years of keeping her diagnosis private, in an effort to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she stated. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that these advancements might pave the way for a cure. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he shared, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing his wife’s struggles. He reflected on the joy of seeing her regain abilities that had been lost for years: “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.”
Statistics from Parkinson Canada reveal that over 120,000 individuals in Canada are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. While no cure exists, effective medications and therapies, including physiotherapy and exercise, can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ story is not just a personal narrative but a beacon of hope for many individuals battling Parkinson’s disease. By sharing her journey, she is sparking crucial conversations about the challenges faced by those with neurodegenerative disorders and the innovative treatments emerging to help them. As society becomes more aware of Parkinson’s and its impact, it paves the way for greater support, funding for research, and ultimately, the possibility of finding a cure. Her courage to speak out is a reminder that hope can thrive even in the face of adversity.
