Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has courageously disclosed her ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has quietly managed since 2015. The couple appeared on the *Today* show to discuss her diagnosis and the promising non-invasive surgical procedure she recently underwent to alleviate her symptoms, which primarily affect motor function.
A Decade of Hidden Struggles
At 60 years old, King-Crews shared her journey with Parkinson’s, revealing that symptoms began to manifest around 2012. Initially, she experienced numbness in her left foot while exercising, a seemingly benign sign that escalated into more pronounced symptoms. “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 turning point came when she awoke one morning to find her hand shaking, an experience she recognised as a tremor, reminiscent of her grandmother’s struggles with similar symptoms.
Despite experiencing these alarming signs, King-Crews faced delays in diagnosis. Medical professionals initially attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it took three years before she received a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she remarked, emphasising the importance of persistence in seeking appropriate medical care. Throughout this challenging period, she continued to pursue her creative passions, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed. “You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Innovative Treatments Provide Hope
Following her diagnosis, King-Crews explored treatment options to manage her symptoms, which include tremors, stiffness, and slow movement—common manifestations of the progressive disorder. Recently, she underwent a cutting-edge procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which utilises ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain believed to be linked to movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.
“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, highlighting her progress post-treatment. The procedure has granted her newfound abilities, including the capacity to perform ballet moves, which she had struggled with prior to the treatment. Though still in recovery, she remains optimistic, noting that improvements may continue to emerge over the next few months.
Looking ahead, King-Crews plans to undergo a second procedure in September aimed at addressing additional symptoms on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” she admitted, reflecting on the complexities of her recovery. “So, you’re improved on one side and not on the other, so it can make you feel a little more aware of the other.”
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Hope
Having chosen to keep her diagnosis private for nearly a decade, King-Crews now feels compelled to share her experience to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential for innovative treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she stated emphatically. “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 for a future where such treatments become more accessible. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he remarked. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.” Together, they advocate for a future where those living with Parkinson’s can find renewed hope through emerging medical advancements.
Why it Matters
The journey of Rebecca King-Crews serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to navigate chronic illness. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by many who endure similar struggles, while also highlighting the importance of advocacy and awareness in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. As innovative treatments like bilateral focused ultrasound emerge, they not only offer hope to individuals living with the condition but also underscore the urgent need for continued research and support systems that empower patients and their families.
