Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been silently battling since 2015. In a recent appearance on the *Today* show, the couple shared insights about her diagnosis and the innovative non-invasive surgical treatment she has recently undertaken to alleviate her symptoms.
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
At the age of 60, King-Crews revealed that her initial symptoms appeared around 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot while exercising. “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 diagnosis process was fraught with challenges, as it took three years before a neurologist confirmed her condition in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them. It took three years to diagnose me,” she explained.
During this tumultuous period, King-Crews remained undeterred, continuing to work on various creative projects, including a book and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she said, emphasizing her belief in resilience despite the diagnosis. “You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
A New Hope: Non-Invasive Treatment
King-Crews recently underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which has shown promising results in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The treatment employs ultrasound waves targeted at specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI technology, to address motor function symptoms associated with the condition.
Following her treatment, King-Crews 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. She also noted improvements in her physical abilities, mentioning that she can now perform a ballet move called “port de bras,” which had been a challenge prior to the procedure. She anticipates undergoing a second treatment in September to further address symptoms affecting the left side of her body.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
King-Crews chose to publicly share her story after a decade of keeping her diagnosis private, aiming to shine a light on Parkinson’s disease and the available 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 his hope that this new treatment could pave the way for a cure. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of the disease. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
With over 120,000 individuals in Canada living with Parkinson’s, King-Crews’ experience underscores the importance of raising awareness and advocating for better treatment options. While there is currently no cure for the disease, medications and therapies can significantly improve quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ decision to share her experience is a vital step in increasing awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the real-life implications it has on individuals and their families. Her journey not only inspires hope for others facing similar challenges but also highlights the need for continued research and development of innovative treatments. In a world where health issues often remain shrouded in silence, King-Crews’ voice serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in the human spirit, as well as the pressing need for accessible healthcare solutions globally.
