Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has opened up about her decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since being diagnosed in 2015. The couple appeared on the *Today* show to discuss King-Crews’ journey, including a new non-invasive surgical treatment that aims to alleviate her symptoms. This revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with this neurodegenerative disorder, as well as the advances in medical procedures designed to help manage its effects.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews has been living with Parkinson’s disease for nearly ten years, with symptoms first surfacing around 2012. During a recent interview, she recounted her initial experiences, including a peculiar numbness in her left foot while exercising. “I just had some light numbness in my left foot. Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk,” she explained. The situation escalated when she awoke one morning to find her hand shaking, a telltale tremor reminiscent of those her grandmother experienced.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced challenges in obtaining a diagnosis. Initially, her doctor attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and a neurologist was uncertain about the underlying cause. “It took three years to diagnose me,” she shared candidly, highlighting the often lengthy and frustrating path to understanding this complex condition. Even during this difficult period, King-Crews remained productive, working on multiple creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she affirmed.
Innovative Treatment Options
In 2015, after enduring years of uncertainty and discomfort, King-Crews received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This condition gradually deteriorates brain function, leading to symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness. While there is currently no cure, King-Crews has recently undergone a promising new treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure employs ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI technology, in an effort to alleviate movement-related symptoms typical of 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 following the procedure. King-Crews also reported improvements in her balance, even demonstrating a ballet move that she had struggled with for years. While she is still in recovery, with expectations that her symptoms will continue to improve, she plans to undergo a second treatment in September to address lingering issues, such as numbness and tremors on her left side.
Raising Awareness and Hope
King-Crews has chosen to share her experience now to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a decision she did not take lightly after keeping her diagnosis private for a decade. “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 openness aims to inspire hope in others facing similar challenges, especially as the treatment comes with a hefty price tag and is not yet covered by insurance.
Her husband, Terry Crews, voiced his emotional support, expressing pride in his wife’s resilience. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he remarked. His admiration for her strength shines through as he recalls the joy of seeing her write her name again after years of difficulty. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together,” he said, emphasising their unity in adversity.
The Broader Context of Parkinson’s Disease
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Canada. While there is no definitive cure, various treatments, including medications and therapies like physiotherapy and exercise, can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected. King-Crews’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing research and advancements in treatment options, as well as the need for greater public awareness and understanding of this condition.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid discussion about her journey with Parkinson’s disease not only highlights the personal struggles of living with a chronic condition but also underscores the importance of innovation in treatment. As she advocates for greater awareness and access to new medical technologies, her story offers hope to countless others navigating similar challenges. In a world where medical advancements can often seem out of reach, King-Crews’ experience serves as a beacon of resilience, urging society to continue pushing for research, understanding, and ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
