In a heartfelt revelation, Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed that she has been silently battling Parkinson’s disease since 2015. During an emotional appearance on the Today show, the couple shared insights into her journey with the condition, which affects motor functions and can lead to debilitating symptoms. King-Crews, now 60, also discussed her recent experience with a groundbreaking non-invasive surgical treatment aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Long Path to Diagnosis
King-Crews first noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s around 2012, beginning with a slight numbness in her left foot while exercising. As time progressed, she observed troubling signs, such as her arm not swinging naturally while walking and, ultimately, experiencing tremors. “I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking,” she recounted. “I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.'”
Despite her concerns, King-Crews faced challenges in securing a clear diagnosis. Initially, her doctor attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it took three years before a neurologist confirmed her condition. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she noted during her interview with Craig Melvin. “It took three years to diagnose me.”
Throughout this uncertain period, she maintained an active lifestyle, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line, exemplifying her resilient spirit. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” King-Crews asserted. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Innovative Treatment Brings Hope
After finally receiving her diagnosis in 2015, King-Crews embarked on a journey marked by gradual neurological decline. Parkinson’s disease leads to progressive damage in the brain, manifesting in symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. As there is currently no cure, managing these symptoms becomes paramount.
Recently, she underwent a procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which utilizes ultrasound waves targeted at specific brain areas to relieve movement-related symptoms. Following her treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism, stating, “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 elaborated, noting improvements in her physical abilities, including balance and control over her movements. “I can do a port de bras on my right leg, balancing on that leg,” she shared, referring to a ballet pose. Still in recovery, she anticipates undergoing another procedure in September to address lingering symptoms on her left side.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now, after years of privacy, to foster awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential of innovative treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she explained. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
She hopes to encourage greater accessibility to these treatments, which can be costly and are not yet covered by insurance. “It’s an expensive surgery — it’s not covered yet — to just give hope to people with Parkinson’s, because I believe that we’re going to find a cure,” she asserted.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his admiration for her resilience, stating, “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard.” He noted the profound impact of her recent improvements, particularly the joy of seeing her write her name again after years of struggle.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ journey sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease. Her willingness to share her experience not only raises awareness about the challenges of diagnosis and treatment but also highlights the importance of innovative medical advancements. With over 120,000 Canadians affected by Parkinson’s, stories like hers can inspire hope and foster discussions around the need for accessible healthcare solutions. As the search for effective treatments continues, King-Crews’ message encourages us all to remain optimistic for those battling chronic illnesses.
