Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely shared her decade-long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a revelation that she has kept private since her diagnosis in 2015. In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, the couple discussed King-Crews’ journey with the illness and the promising non-invasive surgical treatment she recently underwent to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms associated with the condition.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 60 years of age, King-Crews revealed that the initial signs of Parkinson’s appeared as early as 2012, when she experienced 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 situation escalated when she woke up one morning to find her hand trembling, a symptom she recognised due to her grandmother’s similar experiences.
Despite her growing concerns, King-Crews faced challenges in securing a diagnosis. Medical professionals initially attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it took a neurologist three years to finally confirm her condition. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she shared with host Craig Melvin, underscoring the frustrating journey many face in obtaining accurate medical assessments. “It took three years to diagnose me.”
Throughout this tumultuous time, King-Crews remained dedicated to her creative endeavours, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. Her resilient attitude is encapsulated in her belief that a diagnosis should not dictate one’s life course. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she stated. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Innovative Treatment Offers New Hope
In a significant development, King-Crews recently underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a cutting-edge non-invasive procedure designed to target specific areas of the brain affected by Parkinson’s. This treatment uses ultrasound waves guided by MRI technology to alleviate movement-related symptoms. Following the procedure, King-Crews expressed her optimism, saying, “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 has also noticed improvements in her balance and motor skills, stating, “I can do a port de bras on my right leg, balancing on that leg.” Although she remains in the recovery phase, she anticipates further improvements over the coming months. King-Crews is scheduled for a second procedure in September to address lingering symptoms such as numbness and tremors on her left side.
Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
After spending nearly ten years keeping her diagnosis private, King-Crews chose this moment to share her story to help raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential for new treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she explained. “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 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 remarked. The emotional weight of witnessing her struggles, from tremors to loss of balance, has profoundly affected him. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting over 120,000 Canadians, according to Parkinson Canada. The condition primarily impacts motor functions and can lead to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. While no cure currently exists, various medications and therapies—including physiotherapy and speech therapy—can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.
King-Crews’ story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of resilience and the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid revelation not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease but also highlights the importance of innovative treatment options and the critical need for increased awareness. Her journey underscores the necessity of early diagnosis and personalised care in managing chronic illnesses. By sharing her experience, King-Crews may inspire others to seek help, advocate for their health, and remain hopeful in the face of adversity.
