Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, has opened up about her secret struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition she has been living with since 2015. In a heartfelt appearance on the Today show, the couple discussed her diagnosis and the promising non-invasive surgical procedure she recently underwent to alleviate some of her symptoms.
A Journey of Discovery
At 60 years old, King-Crews shared that her journey with Parkinson’s began with subtle signs around 2012. Initially, she experienced a mild numbness in her left foot while exercising. It wasn’t long before her trainer noticed an unusual lack of movement in her arm as she walked. “I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking. I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,’” she recounted during the interview, recalling how she had recognised the symptoms from her grandmother’s condition.
Despite her suspicions, the path to diagnosis was fraught with challenges. Initially, her doctor attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it took three years and several referrals to finally receive a formal diagnosis. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them. It took three years to diagnose me,” she explained to Craig Melvin on Today.
During this tumultuous period, King-Crews remained remarkably resilient, continuing to work on various creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed, emphasising her belief that a diagnosis should not define one’s ability to live fully.
A New Hope Through Innovative Treatment
In 2015, King-Crews was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a degenerative disease affecting motor control and leading to a range of symptoms such as tremors and muscle stiffness. Although there is currently no cure, recent advancements in medical technology offer new avenues for symptom management.
King-Crews recently underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which employs ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain believed to be involved in movement disorders. Following the treatment, she expressed optimism and relief, 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 also noted improvements in her balance and mobility, indicating that the recovery process, which could take up to three months, is promising.
Looking ahead, King-Crews plans to undergo a second procedure in September to further address symptoms affecting her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she stated, acknowledging the complexities of her condition and treatment.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
After keeping her diagnosis private for nearly a decade, King-Crews is now determined to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the innovative treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me. I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she asserted, hoping to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The cost of such treatments remains a concern, as they are not yet covered by health insurance. King-Crews aims to highlight the importance of accessibility to these medical advancements, stating, “I believe that we’re going to find a cure.” Her husband, Terry Crews, echoed her sentiments, expressing hope that these developments might signal the beginning of a cure. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through has been very, very hard,” he remarked, reflecting on the profound emotional toll of the disease.
Why it Matters
The story of Rebecca King-Crews sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease and serves as a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis and innovative treatments. With over 120,000 people in Canada affected by this condition, King-Crews’ journey not only raises awareness but also offers hope for better management and potential breakthroughs in treatment. As society continues to grapple with the challenges posed by chronic illnesses, her experience underscores the critical need for continued research, accessible healthcare, and the power of sharing personal stories to foster understanding and support.
