In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed her decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a debilitating condition that affects motor functions due to the deterioration of the nervous system. King-Crews, 60, shared her personal journey and the recent non-invasive procedure she underwent, which may offer new hope for those grappling with similar challenges.
A Hidden Diagnosis
For many years, King-Crews kept her diagnosis under wraps, beginning to experience symptoms as early as 2012. It started with a peculiar numbness in her left foot, which she initially dismissed. “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,” she recounted. It wasn’t until she woke one morning to find her hand trembling that the severity of her condition became apparent. “I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” she recalled, linking her experiences to those of her grandmother.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced a lengthy journey towards a formal diagnosis, receiving mixed responses from healthcare professionals. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and a neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on,” she explained. After three years of uncertainty, she finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015—a condition that currently has no cure, but whose symptoms can be managed through various treatments.
Embracing New Treatments
During the interview, King-Crews expressed optimism following a recent bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, which has shown promising results in alleviating some of her symptoms. This innovative procedure targets specific brain areas using ultrasound waves guided by MRI technology. “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 enthusiastically.
The procedure represents a significant advancement in Parkinson’s care, offering hope for improved quality of life. King-Crews plans to undergo a second treatment in September, focusing on alleviating symptoms on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she added, acknowledging the complexities of her recovery.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
King-Crews has chosen to share her journey publicly now, believing that her story can provide inspiration and hope to others facing similar struggles. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she stated firmly. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.” Her advocacy aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and promote access to emerging treatments, which can often be financially burdensome and are not always covered by insurance.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed deep admiration for her strength throughout this tumultuous journey. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing his wife’s battle with the disease. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
The Broader Impact
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, a figure that highlights the prevalence of this condition. While currently there is no definitive cure, treatments that manage symptoms and improve the quality of life, such as physiotherapy and exercise, are crucial. King-Crews’ story serves not only as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity but also underscores the importance of ongoing research into innovative treatments.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ revelation about her long-term battle with Parkinson’s disease shines a light on a condition that affects many individuals and their families. Her openness about her experiences and the new treatment she has embraced provides hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles. As healthcare advances, stories like hers remind us of the vital need for awareness, better access to treatments, and continued support for the ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease.
