Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been living with since 2015. In a heartfelt segment on the *Today* show, the couple shared insights into her journey, including the challenges of diagnosis and the hope brought by a newly approved non-invasive surgical treatment aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 60 years old, King-Crews reflected on the early signs of her illness, which began manifesting around 2012. Initially, she experienced numbness in her left foot during workouts. “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. The alarming moment came when she woke one morning to find her hand trembling, a symptom she immediately recognised from her grandmother’s experience with tremors.
Despite her concerns, King-Crews faced hurdles in receiving a proper diagnosis. Medical professionals initially attributed her symptoms to anxiety, leaving her feeling frustrated. “It took three years to diagnose me,” she shared candidly, emphasising the importance of persistence in seeking further medical opinions. During this challenging time, she continued to pursue her creative projects, including a book and a clothing line, driven by the belief that a diagnosis should not define one’s life.
Breakthrough Treatment Offers Hope
In 2015, King-Crews received the official diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that affects the central nervous system and leads to various debilitating symptoms. Though there is no cure, she recently underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which targets specific areas of the brain to alleviate movement-related symptoms.
“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 expressed following the treatment. The procedure utilises ultrasound waves guided by MRI technology, marking a significant advancement in the management of Parkinson’s symptoms. “I’m seeing improvement in my symptoms. I’m still in recovery,” she added, with plans for a follow-up procedure later this year to further address her challenges.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
King-Crews chose to share her story publicly now, after years of keeping her diagnosis private, to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential for innovative treatments. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of making these treatments accessible to others who are suffering. Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his admiration for her resilience. “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, reflecting on the emotional impact of her journey.
With over 120,000 Canadians currently living with Parkinson’s disease, as reported by Parkinson Canada, the need for awareness and support is more critical than ever. Although there is no definitive cure, medications and therapeutic interventions can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ story sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of those living with chronic illnesses. By sharing her journey, she not only offers hope to others battling similar challenges but also underscores the necessity for continued research and innovation in treatment options for Parkinson’s disease. Her advocacy for awareness serves as a reminder that while the journey may be fraught with difficulties, there is strength in community, resilience in spirit, and hope for the future.
