In a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, Rebecca King-Crews courageously revealed her decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a central nervous system disorder primarily affecting motor function. The fashion designer and wife of actor Terry Crews shared insights into her diagnosis and discussed a promising new non-invasive surgical treatment that aims to alleviate her symptoms.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 60, King-Crews has faced numerous challenges since first noticing symptoms in 2012. While working out, she experienced a numbness in her left foot, which was soon accompanied by a noticeable change in her arm movement. “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 situation escalated when she awoke one morning to find her hand shaking, a clear indication of a tremor she recognised from her grandmother’s experiences.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews initially faced obstacles in receiving a proper diagnosis. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and a neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on,” she explained. After three frustrating years of uncertainty, she finally received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2015, a condition that progressively damages the brain and manifests through tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she stated, underscoring the importance of seeking multiple opinions in the face of health challenges.
Embracing Hope Through New Treatments
Following her diagnosis, King-Crews continued to pursue her passions, including writing a book, recording an album, and launching a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she asserted, embodying a spirit of resilience. However, she acknowledged that living with Parkinson’s is an ongoing battle, particularly as there is currently no cure.
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a pioneering procedure aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. This treatment employs ultrasound waves targeted at specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI technology, to address 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 shared, expressing her optimism about the procedure’s effects.
Recovery from the treatment is a gradual process, and King-Crews is set to undergo a second procedure later this year to tackle lingering symptoms on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she noted, reflecting on the complexities of managing her condition.
Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
King-Crews chose to share her story after keeping her diagnosis largely private for a decade, motivated by a desire to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and the emerging treatments available. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she stated. She emphasised the need to advocate for access to such innovative treatments, particularly as the surgery is currently not covered by insurance and can be prohibitively expensive.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his pride and admiration for his wife’s strength throughout her journey. “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 witnessing her struggles. He reaffirmed their commitment to supporting one another through life’s challenges, stating, “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ story is not just one of personal resilience; it shines a light on the broader issues surrounding Parkinson’s disease and the importance of early diagnosis and access to treatment options. With over 120,000 Canadians currently living with Parkinson’s, her experience serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for ongoing research, support, and advocacy in the fight against this debilitating condition. As awareness grows, so too does the hope for breakthroughs that could significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s.
