Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis she received in 2015 after years of symptoms. In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, the couple discussed her journey with the neurological disorder, as well as a promising new non-invasive surgical treatment that has shown positive results in managing her symptoms.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 60 years old, King-Crews has lived with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, beginning with subtle signs around 2012. She recounted her initial experiences, which included a peculiar numbness in her left foot during workouts and a noticeable lack of arm movement while walking. The situation escalated when she awoke one morning to find her hand trembling.
“My trainer was the first to notice that my arm didn’t swing when I walked,” she explained. “Then, one day, I woke up and my hand was shaking. I thought, ‘Now that’s a tremor.'”
Initially, her doctors attributed her symptoms to anxiety, which delayed her diagnosis. It took three years of persistent consultations before she finally received confirmation of her condition. “It was frustrating,” King-Crews admitted. “I asked for referrals, but it took a long time to get a proper diagnosis.”
Throughout this challenging period, she maintained her dedication to her career, working on various creative projects, including a book and a clothing line. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she stated with resolute determination.
Breakthrough in Treatment
In a significant development, King-Crews recently underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, a non-invasive procedure that targets specific areas of the brain implicated in movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s. This cutting-edge procedure utilises ultrasound waves directed by MRI technology, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.
Following the treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism. “I feel good. I’m able to write my name and dates for the first time in three years,” she shared. “I can even perform a ballet move, balancing on my right leg.”
She is currently in the recovery phase, where improvements are expected to continue over the next three months. King-Crews is scheduled for a second treatment in September, aiming to address persistent symptoms on her left side.
Advocating for Awareness
Choosing to share her story after a decade of privacy, King-Crews hopes to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the emerging treatments available. “I don’t want sympathy; I want to highlight the advancements in medicine,” she stated. “This procedure and others like it represent a new frontier, and I want others to have hope.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed admiration for her resilience and bravery. “Watching her endure this for the last 10 to 12 years has been incredibly hard,” he said. “To see her write her name again after three years was an emotional moment for me. It’s a testament to her strength.”
With over 120,000 individuals in Canada living with Parkinson’s, according to Parkinson Canada, awareness and access to innovative treatments are vital. While there is currently no cure, ongoing therapies and medications can significantly improve quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ openness about her battle with Parkinson’s not only highlights the personal struggles faced by many but also showcases the potential of new medical advancements in treating this complex condition. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges, reminding us that while there is no cure yet, continual progress in treatment offers the promise of a better quality of life. As awareness grows, so too does the potential for research and funding that could one day lead to a breakthrough in finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
