Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely opened up about her hidden struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. In a heartfelt interview on the Today show, the couple discussed her diagnosis and the promising results of a newly approved non-invasive surgical procedure designed to alleviate the condition’s symptoms.
A Journey of Diagnosis
At the age of 60, King-Crews shared that her journey with Parkinson’s began as early as 2012. Initially, she dismissed the early signs, which included numbness in her left foot during workouts. “About 2012, I just had some light numbness in my left foot,” she recounted. “Then my trainer noticed that my arm does not swing when I walk. Then I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.’”
Despite her concerns, misdiagnoses and initial doubts from medical professionals delayed her official diagnosis for three years. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she told Craig Melvin on Today. “It took three years to diagnose me.” During this challenging period, King-Crews remained dedicated to her creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she affirmed.
Exploring Treatment Options
In 2015, King-Crews was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that adversely affects motor function. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, and currently, there is no cure. However, recent advancements in treatment have provided hope for improved quality of life.
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, a non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain associated with movement control. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, this method is guided by magnetic resonance imaging to pinpoint the areas affected by Parkinson’s.
“I feel good,” she stated after the treatment. “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.” King-Crews expressed optimism about her recovery, noting that the procedure’s full benefits may take a few months to manifest. She is also preparing for a second treatment in September to address lingering symptoms, including numbness and tremors.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
King-Crews has chosen to speak publicly about her experience now to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, having kept 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 explained. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
In her pursuit of hope for others affected by Parkinson’s, she aims to highlight the potential of such treatments, despite the fact that they are currently expensive and not universally covered by health insurance. “I’m excited about the possibility,” she said, emphasizing her belief that a cure will eventually be found.
Her husband, Terry Crews, reflected on the emotional toll of witnessing his wife’s struggles. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he shared. “I don’t know what to say. I’m choked up just thinking about it.” He expressed his admiration for her strength, noting that their commitment to each other has been a source of support throughout their nearly 37 years together.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ courageous decision to share her Parkinson’s journey not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with the disease but also underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment options. With over 120,000 individuals in Canada alone grappling with Parkinson’s, her story serves as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for further research and advancements in neurological care. By amplifying awareness and advocating for innovative treatments, King-Crews is not only inspiring those affected by Parkinson’s but also contributing to a broader dialogue about the need for ongoing support and resources for patients and their families.
