Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed her long-standing struggle with Parkinson’s disease during a recent appearance on the Today show. The 60-year-old fashion designer shared her journey, which began with subtle symptoms nearly a decade ago, and discussed a groundbreaking non-invasive treatment she recently underwent to alleviate her condition.
A Journey of Discovery
King-Crews first noticed symptoms in 2012 when she experienced numbness in her left foot while exercising. This initial sign was soon followed by other troubling indicators. “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 during the show. The situation escalated to the point where she experienced a noticeable tremor in her hand, a symptom she recognised from her grandmother’s own struggles with similar issues.
Despite her concerns, King-Crews faced challenges in obtaining a definitive 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 with host Craig Melvin. During this time, she continued to pursue her creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line, demonstrating her resilience in the face of adversity. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she affirmed.
The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
In 2015, after a protracted period of uncertainty, King-Crews received an official diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system and characterised by symptoms such as tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness. As there is currently no cure, the focus for those living with the condition often shifts to managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
King-Crews recently underwent a promising non-invasive treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which has shown potential in reducing the movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. This procedure employs targeted ultrasound waves to specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI, to improve motor functions. Following her treatment, she expressed her relief and 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.”
A Message of Hope and Awareness
King-Crews is not only focused on her recovery; she aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the innovative treatments available. Having kept her diagnosis private for many years, she felt compelled to share her experience to inspire others facing similar challenges. She emphasised, “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed both admiration and hope, acknowledging the emotional toll of witnessing his wife’s struggles. “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. He highlighted their enduring partnership and commitment to facing challenges together, stating, “This is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
King-Crews is scheduled to undergo a second procedure in September to further address her symptoms, including tremors and numbness on her left side. She remains optimistic about the future, both for herself and for others battling Parkinson’s disease.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid revelation about her decade-long battle with Parkinson’s disease serves as a vital reminder of the resilience required to confront chronic health conditions. Her experience sheds light on the importance of early diagnosis and innovative treatments, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected. As awareness grows, so does the hope for advancements in medical science that may one day lead to a cure, not just for King-Crews, but for the over 120,000 individuals in Canada currently living with this challenging condition.
