Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis she has been living with since 2015. In a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, King-Crews shared her journey, including the challenges of attaining a proper diagnosis and a groundbreaking non-invasive surgical procedure she recently underwent to alleviate her symptoms.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At the age of 60, King-Crews recounted the initial signs of Parkinson’s, which first manifested around 2012 with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during exercise. “I just had some light numbness in my left foot. Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk,” she recalled. It wasn’t until her hand began to tremble that she recognised the severity of her condition, drawing parallels to her grandmother’s similar experiences.
Despite her persistent symptoms, King-Crews faced hurdles in receiving a definitive diagnosis. Initially, her doctor attributed her issues to anxiety, and it took three long years for her to finally be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she explained during the interview. “It took three years to diagnose me.” Throughout this challenging period, she continued to work on various projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line, embodying a tenacious spirit. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she asserted. “You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Exploring Innovative Treatment Options
Since her diagnosis, King-Crews has been proactive in seeking treatments to manage her condition. Recently, she underwent a novel non-invasive procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which targets specific areas of the brain responsible for movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. This innovative treatment, guided by MRI technology, shows promise in alleviating some of the debilitating effects of the disease.
Post-procedure, King-Crews reported feeling a significant improvement in her daily life. “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. She expressed hopefulness about the recovery process, noting that improvements could continue over the next three months. King-Crews is set to undergo a second procedure in September to further address symptoms on her left side, including numbness and tremors.
Raising Awareness and Hope
In choosing to share her journey after years of privacy, King-Crews aims 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 her health challenges. “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 said. He emphasised the importance of facing life’s battles together, reinforcing their commitment to each other through thick and thin.
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Canada. While there is currently no cure, treatments and therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and exercise can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid revelation about her journey with Parkinson’s not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by many but also highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and accessibility to innovative treatments. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles, illustrating that while the road may be fraught with challenges, advancements in medical science continue to pave the way for better management and potential cures. As public dialogue around such conditions expands, it becomes crucial to advocate for further research and support for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
