In a heartfelt interview on the *Today* show, Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2015. The couple discussed her diagnosis and shared insights about a cutting-edge, non-invasive surgical procedure she recently undertook, which aims to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of this neurodegenerative disorder.
A Journey of Discovery
At 60 years old, King-Crews reflected on the onset of her symptoms, which first manifested around 2012. Initially, she experienced a light numbness in her left foot while exercising. As time progressed, she noticed her arm not swinging while she walked, followed by the alarming discovery of tremors in her hand.
“I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” she recounted during the interview. Despite her concerns, her initial medical consultations did not lead to a clear diagnosis. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and the neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on. It took three years to get diagnosed,” King-Crews revealed.
During this challenging time, she continued to pursue her creative passions, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. That’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she stated resolutely. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Non-Invasive Treatment Brings New Hope
King-Crews finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015, a condition that gradually impairs motor functions as it affects the brain. While there is currently no cure, she has found some relief through a newly approved treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound. This non-invasive procedure utilises ultrasound waves to target specific brain areas responsible for movement symptoms associated with 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 shared, expressing her optimism following the procedure. The treatment, guided by MRI technology, aims to alleviate symptoms and enhance motor function. King-Crews noted that she is still in recovery, with further improvements expected in the coming months.
She is scheduled for a second treatment in September to address persistent symptoms on the left side of her body, including numbness and tremors. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” she admitted. “Part of the procedure is to improve symptoms. So, you’re improved on one side and not on the other, which can make you more aware of the other.”
Advocating for Awareness and Change
King-Crews chose to publicly share her experience after a decade of privacy, aiming to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the innovative treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me. I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she asserted.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed hope that these advancements could signify a turning point in treatment for Parkinson’s. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through has been very, very hard. The tremors, the not sleeping, the loss of balance… to see her write her name for the first time in three years is incredible,” he said, his emotions evident.
With over 120,000 individuals in Canada living with Parkinson’s, King-Crews’ advocacy is timely. She emphasised the need for wider access to innovative treatments, particularly as the cost of such procedures can be prohibitive and often not covered by insurance.
Why it Matters
The story of Rebecca King-Crews not only sheds light on the personal struggles of those battling Parkinson’s disease but also highlights the critical need for increased awareness and accessibility to groundbreaking medical treatments. As society grapples with the complexities of living with chronic illnesses, King-Crews’ journey serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us that even amidst daunting challenges, there is potential for progress and healing.
