Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has shared her personal journey with Parkinson’s disease, revealing that she has been living with the condition since 2015. In a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, the couple discussed King-Crews’ diagnosis and her recent experience with a groundbreaking non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews disclosed that her initial symptoms manifested around 2012, beginning with a numbing sensation in her left foot during exercise. She recounted how a trainer first noticed that her arm was not swinging in rhythm as she walked, an early indication of the disorder. “I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” she recalled, highlighting the moment she recognised the severity of her condition.
Despite the alarming signs, King-Crews faced significant challenges in obtaining a formal diagnosis. Initially, her doctor attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it took her three years and multiple consultations with specialists before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” King-Crews said during the interview, reflecting on the frustrating journey to understanding her health issues.
Embracing Life Amidst Challenges
Throughout the years of uncertainty and symptoms, King-Crews remained committed to her work, balancing the demands of writing a book, creating 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. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, causes gradual damage to the brain and affects motor functions, leading to tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement. While there is no cure, King-Crews has sought innovative treatments to manage her symptoms.
New Hope Through Innovative Treatment
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, a non-invasive procedure that utilises ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain associated with movement symptoms. Following the treatment, she expressed optimism about her recovery, stating, “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 emphasised her ongoing recovery process, noting that the procedure requires about three months for optimal results.
Looking ahead, King-Crews plans to undergo a second treatment in September to further address symptoms such as numbness and tremors on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she explained, acknowledging the complexities of her condition.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease after keeping her diagnosis private for a decade. “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.” She hopes her openness will inspire others facing similar challenges and highlight the need for more accessible treatment options, especially as the procedure is not yet covered by insurance.
Terry Crews expressed his admiration for his wife’s strength throughout their journey together. “To watch her write her name for the first time in three years, I don’t know what to say. I’m choked up just thinking about it,” he shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of witnessing King-Crews confront her illness. The couple, married for nearly 37 years, continue to support each other through thick and thin, embodying the commitment of “in sickness and in health.”
According to Parkinson Canada, over 120,000 individuals in Canada are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no definitive cure, various medications and therapies can help manage symptoms, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ journey underscores the importance of awareness and understanding surrounding Parkinson’s disease. By sharing her experiences, she not only sheds light on the complexities of living with a chronic illness but also advocates for innovative treatments that could pave the way for better care. Her narrative serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others facing similar battles to seek support and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
