Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has opened up about her long-standing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition she has faced in silence since 2015. In a candid interview on the Today show, the couple discussed King-Crews’ diagnosis, the challenges she has faced, and the promising results of a recently approved non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Journey Through Diagnosis
At 60 years old, King-Crews revealed that her journey with Parkinson’s began in 2012, when she first noticed a troubling numbness in her left foot while exercising. What she initially dismissed as a minor issue soon escalated. “I just had some light numbness in my left foot,” she recounted. “Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk. Then I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.'”
Despite her growing concerns, King-Crews faced hurdles in receiving a proper diagnosis. After consulting various medical professionals, she was informed that her symptoms might stem from anxiety. “It took three years to diagnose me,” she explained, highlighting the often frustrating journey many face in navigating the healthcare system for neurological disorders.
The Power of Resilience
Throughout her diagnosis process, King-Crews remained committed to her creative pursuits, working on a book, album, and clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed. Her determination to maintain a positive outlook reflects a broader message about resilience in the face of adversity.
In 2015, after years of uncertainty, King-Crews finally received her Parkinson’s diagnosis. The disease, which progressively damages the brain’s ability to control movement, manifests in various symptoms, including tremors and rigidity. Currently, there is no cure, but treatment options exist to help manage these debilitating symptoms.
A New Hope: Non-Invasive Treatment
Recently, King-Crews underwent a cutting-edge procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which is designed to target specific areas of the brain to alleviate movement-related symptoms. This innovative treatment employs ultrasound waves, guided by MRI, to precisely address the parts of the brain affected by Parkinson’s.
Following the procedure, King-Crews expressed her optimism. “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 said, noting significant improvements in her motor function. Although she is still in recovery, King-Crews is encouraged by the progress she has made and plans to undergo a second treatment later this year.
“I’m still figuring it out,” she admitted, as her body adjusts to the changes brought on by the procedure. “You’re improved on one side and not on the other, so it can make you feel a little more aware of the other.”
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now in hopes of raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, having kept her diagnosis private for nearly 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 husband, Terry Crews, expressed pride in her courage and determination. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he said, reflecting on the toll that the illness has taken on her life. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
With more than 120,000 Canadians currently living with Parkinson’s, according to Parkinson Canada, King-Crews’ decision to speak out is timely and essential. While there is no cure, treatments like medications and therapies can significantly enhance quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ story shines a light on the importance of awareness and advocacy in the face of chronic illness. By sharing her personal experience with Parkinson’s disease and the advancements in treatment, she not only provides hope to others facing similar challenges but also emphasises the need for continued research and support for those living with neurological disorders. Her journey serves as a reminder that resilience, coupled with the right medical interventions, can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life, inspiring others to seek help and stay engaged in their fight against illness.
