Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely revealed her long-standing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has managed privately since 2015. In a candid discussion on the *Today* show, the couple highlighted King-Crews’ journey with the illness and shared insights into a pioneering non-invasive surgical treatment she recently underwent to alleviate her symptoms.
A Decade of Private Struggles
At the age of 60, King-Crews disclosed that her initial symptoms of Parkinson’s began around 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during exercise. “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. Eventually, I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.'”
Her journey towards a diagnosis was fraught with challenges. Despite noticing these symptoms, medical consultations led to misdiagnoses, with her doctor attributing her signs to anxiety. After three years of uncertainty, she finally received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015, a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively impairs motor function.
A Groundbreaking Treatment
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a non-invasive procedure that uses targeted ultrasound waves to treat specific areas of the brain associated with movement symptoms in Parkinson’s. Following the treatment, she expressed optimism about her recovery. “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 enthusiastically.
The procedure, guided by MRI technology, aims to improve motor function and reduce tremors. King-Crews is currently in the recovery phase, which is expected to last about three months, during which improvements in her condition may continue to unfold. She also plans to undergo a second procedure in September to address ongoing symptoms such as numbness and tremors.
Raising Awareness and Hope
King-Crews explained that her decision to share her experience is rooted in a desire to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the advancements in treatment options. “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 deep admiration for his wife’s resilience throughout this challenging period. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he said, visibly emotional. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
According to Parkinson Canada, over 120,000 individuals in Canada are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no cure at present, various treatments exist to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ story is a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of chronic illness. By sharing her journey, she not only advocates for greater awareness of Parkinson’s disease but also highlights the potential of innovative medical treatments. Her experience underscores the need for continued research and support for those battling this condition, offering hope to many who may feel isolated or overwhelmed by their diagnosis. In a world where healthcare advancements are crucial, her voice adds significant weight to the ongoing dialogue around Parkinson’s and the future of its treatment.
