Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2015, following a decade-long struggle with the condition. In a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, the couple shared insights into King-Crews’ diagnosis and her recent experience with a groundbreaking non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Decade of Hidden Struggles
At 60, King-Crews reflected on her journey with Parkinson’s, noting that early signs emerged around 2012. “I started feeling some light numbness in my left foot while exercising,” she explained. The situation escalated when her trainer pointed out that her arm did not swing naturally as she walked. A particularly alarming moment came when she awoke one morning to find her hand trembling—a symptom she instantly recognised due to her grandmother’s similar struggles with tremors.
The diagnosis process was anything but straightforward. Despite her persistent symptoms, King-Crews faced a lack of clarity from medical professionals. “My doctor thought I was just having anxiety, and the neurologist wasn’t sure what was happening,” she recounted. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals, and it took three years to get a proper diagnosis.”
During this challenging period, King-Crews remained dedicated to her work, continuing to write a book, produce an album, and develop a clothing line. Her resilience shines through her statement: “Just keep going. I believe you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Innovative Treatment Offers Hope
In 2015, King-Crews received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder affecting motor functions due to damage in certain brain areas. Although there is no cure, she recently underwent a promising non-invasive treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound. This innovative procedure involves directing ultrasound waves to specific brain areas, guided by MRI technology, to alleviate movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Following the treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism about her recovery. “I feel good. I’m able to write my name and dates again, and I can write with my right hand for the first time in about three years,” she shared. “I can do a port de bras on my right leg, balancing on that leg. I’m seeing improvements.”
Despite these positive changes, she acknowledged the ongoing journey ahead, with plans for a second procedure in September to tackle residual symptoms like numbness and tremors on her left side.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
King-Crews chose this moment to share her story publicly, having kept her diagnosis largely private for a decade. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so people can feel sorry for me,” she emphasised. Instead, she hopes to raise awareness about Parkinson’s treatments and inspire others facing similar challenges. “This procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she asserted, expressing her desire to make such treatments more accessible, particularly as they currently come with significant costs and are not yet covered by insurance.
Terry Crews, King-Crews’ husband, expressed his deep admiration for her resilience throughout their journey together, stating, “To watch her go through what she’s experienced has been incredibly hard. Seeing 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.”
The Broader Context of Parkinson’s Disease
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Canada. While there is no definitive cure, various medications and therapies—including physiotherapy and exercise—can significantly improve quality of life for those affected. The importance of ongoing awareness and advancements in treatment options cannot be overstated, as they offer hope to individuals and families grappling with the realities of this challenging condition.
Why it Matters
The public sharing of Rebecca King-Crews’ experience not only sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease but also highlights the potential of innovative treatments that are emerging in the medical field. By advocating for awareness and accessibility of these therapies, she embodies a powerful message of resilience and hope, reminding us all of the importance of community and support in facing health adversities. As we learn from her journey, it becomes clear that the fight against Parkinson’s is not just personal; it has the power to inspire societal change and foster a deeper understanding of this complex condition.
