Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely revealed her long-standing battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. In a candid interview on the *Today* show, the couple discussed her diagnosis and the innovative non-invasive surgery she recently underwent to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this complex neurological disorder.
A Decade of Struggles
At 60, King-Crews shared that her symptoms began to manifest as early as 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot during exercise. “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. A pivotal moment came when she woke to find her hand shaking, immediately recognising it as a tremor—something she had witnessed in her grandmother.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced challenges in securing a diagnosis. Initially, her doctor attributed her issues to anxiety, and even a neurologist was uncertain about her condition. It wasn’t until three years later that she finally received a formal Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she noted. “It took three years to diagnose me.” During this difficult time, she continued to pursue her passions, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line.
The Power of Perseverance
King-Crews emphasised her commitment to resilience, stating, “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing. I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.” Parkinson’s disease, characterised by progressive damage to the brain affecting motor functions, continues to challenge those who live with it, as there is currently no known cure.
However, King-Crews recently experienced promising developments in her treatment. She underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, a non-invasive treatment that targets specific regions of the brain associated with movement symptoms in 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 shared, expressing her relief at seeing improvements in her condition.
Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future
King-Crews plans to have a follow-up procedure in September to further address symptoms affecting the left side of her body, including continued numbness and tremors. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she explained. “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.”
The decision to share her experience publicly was not taken lightly; King-Crews chose to remain private about her diagnosis for nearly a decade. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she stated. Instead, she aims to raise awareness about Parkinson’s and the potential of innovative treatments. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she added, emphasising the importance of making such treatments more accessible.
Terry Crews, visibly emotional during the interview, expressed his admiration for his wife’s strength. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he reflected. He described the poignant moment when he witnessed her writing her name again after a three-year struggle as deeply moving. “I’m choked up just thinking about it,” he admitted.
The Broader Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
In Canada alone, more than 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the urgent need for continued research and treatment options. While there is currently no cure, various medications and therapies—including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and exercise—are essential in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’s story is not just a personal account of resilience and determination; it is a rallying cry for greater awareness and support for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Her experience underscores the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatments, and the ongoing need for research into new medical interventions. As she continues to advocate for hope and potential breakthroughs, her journey serves as an inspiration for many, reminding us that even in the face of daunting challenges, progress is possible.
