In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, revealed that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2015. The couple’s candid discussion highlighted her decade-long struggle with the illness and introduced a promising non-invasive surgical procedure she has recently undergone to alleviate her symptoms.
A Journey of Diagnosis and Resilience
At 60, King-Crews shared that her initial symptoms began around 2012, with a persistent 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. Soon after, she experienced shaking in her hand, a tremor she recognised from having seen similar symptoms in her grandmother.
Despite her growing concerns, King-Crews faced a frustrating three-year wait for a definitive diagnosis. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and a neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on,” she explained to Craig Melvin on Today. It was not until 2015 that she was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a condition that inflicts gradual damage to the brain, leading to debilitating motor function issues.
Throughout this challenging period, King-Crews remained committed to her creative pursuits, continuing to work on a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Embracing New Treatment Options
Recently, King-Crews underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which has shown promising results in managing her symptoms. This non-invasive treatment employs ultrasound waves directed at specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI technology, to address movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Post-procedure, King-Crews expressed her relief and optimism. “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 noted enthusiastically. She also mentioned her ability to perform ballet moves, an encouraging sign of improvement in her condition. Despite the positive changes, she acknowledged that recovery is a gradual process, with further enhancements expected in the coming months.
Looking ahead, she has plans for a second procedure in September to tackle ongoing issues such as tremors and numbness on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” she said, reflecting on the complexities of her current health journey.
Raising Awareness and Hope
King-Crews chose to share her story now, after keeping her diagnosis private for a decade, to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the innovative treatments available. “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, echoed her sentiments, expressing hope that these advancements could lead to a potential cure. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he shared, visibly moved by her progress. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
In Canada, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease. While there remains no cure, various medications and therapies—such as physiotherapy and speech therapy—play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ unwavering spirit and commitment to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease shine a light on the challenges faced by countless individuals navigating this condition. Her story not only highlights the importance of innovative treatments but also serves as a beacon of hope for those living with similar struggles. By sharing her journey, King-Crews is fostering a greater understanding of the disease and inspiring others to advocate for their health and well-being, reminding us all that resilience can flourish in the face of adversity.
