Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has revealed that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease for nearly a decade. In an emotional appearance on the *Today* show, the couple discussed her diagnosis and the promising results of a recently approved non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating the symptoms of this challenging neurological condition.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60, King-Crews shared that her journey with Parkinson’s began in 2012, when she first experienced unusual numbness in her left foot while exercising. As time went on, she noticed more alarming signs, such as her arm not swinging while walking and tremors in her hands. “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 recalled. Her fears were confirmed when she woke one morning to find her hand trembling, a symptom she recognised from her grandmother’s experiences.
Initially, medical professionals attributed her symptoms to anxiety, with a neurologist uncertain about the cause. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she told host Craig Melvin. After three long years of uncertainty and multiple consultations, she finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015. This degenerative disorder affects motor functions, leading to a range of symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and impaired movement—none of which currently have a cure.
Hope Through Treatment
Despite the challenges, King-Crews has maintained a positive outlook. She continued to work on various projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line, refusing to let the diagnosis define her. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she stated. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, which uses ultrasound waves to target specific areas in the brain believed to be responsible for movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Following the treatment, she expressed her relief at experiencing improvements in her condition. “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 remarked. This non-invasive surgery is still not widely covered by insurance, highlighting the financial burden associated with seeking advanced medical care.
Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s
King-Crews chose to share her diagnosis after a decade of privacy, aiming to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential of new 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 inspire others living with Parkinson’s, emphasising the importance of seeking treatment and not losing hope in the search for a cure.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed deep admiration for her resilience, noting the emotional toll of watching her navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s. “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,” he shared, highlighting their enduring partnership through adversity.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ candid discussion about her battle with Parkinson’s disease sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by those living with chronic health conditions. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for many, reinforcing the message that early diagnosis and innovative treatments can significantly improve quality of life. As over 120,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s, increased awareness and advocacy for research into treatments are critical. King-Crews’ journey not only empowers others affected by the disease but also calls for a collective effort towards finding a cure, inspiring a movement of resilience and hope amidst ongoing challenges.
