Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely opened up about her struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been living with since 2015. The couple shared her journey during an appearance on the Today show, where they discussed her diagnosis, the challenges she faced, and a groundbreaking, non-invasive surgical treatment that has recently improved her quality of life.
A Hidden Struggle
At the age of 60, King-Crews revealed that her first symptoms began in 2012, starting with a peculiar numbness in her left foot while exercising. “Around 2012, I noticed some light numbness in my left foot,” she recounted. “My trainer noticed that my arm wasn’t swinging when I walked.” The situation escalated when she woke one morning to find her hand shaking, a sign she recognised from her grandmother, who also experienced tremors.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced a challenging journey to diagnosis. Initially, doctors attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and a neurologist was unable to provide clarity. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she explained to presenter Craig Melvin. It took three arduous years before she received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive motor function impairment.
A New Hope
In a significant development, King-Crews recently underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, a non-invasive procedure that uses targeted ultrasound waves to address specific areas of the brain associated with movement. This innovative treatment has provided her with notable improvements. “I feel good. I’m able to write my name and dates, and I can write with my right hand for the first time in probably three years,” she shared, expressing her optimism about her recovery. The procedure, guided by MRI technology, aims to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s.
King-Crews is set to undergo a second treatment in September, targeting residual symptoms such as tremors and numbness on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out,” she admitted, acknowledging the complexity of her recovery process. “Part of the procedure is to improve symptoms, so you’re improved on one side and not on the other, which can make you more aware of the imbalance.”
Raising Awareness
Choosing to share her story now, after nearly a decade of keeping her diagnosis private, is part of King-Crews’ mission to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential for new medical treatments. “I believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she stated, emphasising her desire to inspire hope in those facing similar challenges. “This surgery is expensive and not yet covered, but I want to make it more available to others.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, offered his support, expressing pride in her resilience throughout their 37 years together. “Watching her go through what she’s gone through has been very hard,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll of her battle with health issues, including a previous fight against cancer. “This is the battle that we were designed to fight together. We build each other up like that.”
The Broader Context
Parkinson’s disease affects over 120,000 individuals in Canada alone, according to Parkinson Canada. Although there is no cure, various treatments and therapies can significantly enhance the quality of life for those diagnosed. Medications, physiotherapy, and speech therapy are integral in managing symptoms and providing support to patients and their families.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ courageous decision to speak out about her long-standing battle with Parkinson’s disease highlights the importance of awareness and advocacy for innovative treatments. Her story not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by those living with such conditions but also underscores the urgent need for accessible healthcare solutions. As more individuals share their experiences, they pave the way for greater understanding and support, ultimately fostering a healthcare environment that prioritises innovation and compassion for all patients.
