In a poignant appearance on the Today show, Rebecca King-Crews disclosed her long-standing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since her diagnosis in 2015. Alongside her husband, actor Terry Crews, King-Crews shared her journey with the neurological disorder and the recent non-invasive procedure that offers hope for improved quality of life.
A Silent Struggle Unveiled
Rebecca King-Crews, 60, first noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s in 2012, beginning with a sensation of numbness in her left foot during workouts. “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,” King-Crews recounted. It was not until she experienced a tremor that she recognised something was amiss, recalling, “I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.’”
Despite her intuition, medical professionals initially struggled to provide a diagnosis. She faced a frustrating three-year wait filled with uncertainty as her doctor suggested anxiety and other potential causes. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she stated on the Today show. “It took three years to diagnose me.” Throughout this period, King-Crews remained dedicated to her career, working on various creative projects even as she navigated her health challenges.
Innovative Treatment Offers Hope
After years of symptoms, King-Crews finally received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015. This progressive disorder primarily affects motor functions, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure.
Recently, she underwent a pioneering non-invasive treatment known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which has shown promising results. The procedure involves using ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain, guided by MRI, to alleviate movement-related symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Following the treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism about her recovery. “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.
She is scheduled for a second procedure in September to address remaining symptoms, including 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, noting the challenge of experiencing uneven improvements.
Advocating for Awareness and Hope
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now, after a decade of privacy, to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and innovative treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she asserted. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed profound admiration for his wife’s resilience. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through… has been very, very hard,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. He described witnessing her regain the ability to write as a deeply moving moment. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together,” he added, highlighting their enduring partnership over nearly four decades.
Parkinson Canada estimates that over 120,000 individuals in Canada live with this condition. While there is no cure, treatments such as medication and therapies like physiotherapy and exercise can significantly enhance quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ journey not only sheds light on the personal battles faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease but also emphasises the importance of awareness and access to innovative treatments. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to inspire those coping with similar challenges and advocate for advancements in medical procedures that could one day lead to a cure. The conversation around Parkinson’s is crucial for fostering understanding and support, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of countless individuals and their families.
