Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been managing since 2015. In an emotional appearance on the *Today* show, the couple discussed her journey from initial symptoms to the recent adoption of a cutting-edge non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating the debilitating effects of the disease.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
At 60 years old, King-Crews has lived with Parkinson’s for nearly a decade, although her first symptoms emerged much earlier. Around 2012, she experienced numbness in her left foot during exercise, which prompted her trainer to notice irregularities in her movements. “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. A tremor followed, confirming her fears about her health.
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced challenges in receiving a timely diagnosis. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” she explained, reflecting on a frustrating three-year journey before finally being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. This progressive disorder affects the central nervous system, impacting motor functions and leading to symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement.
Embracing a New Treatment
In a bid to manage her symptoms, King-Crews recently underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound, a non-invasive treatment designed to target specific areas of the brain associated with movement. Guided by MRI technology, this innovative procedure has provided her with newfound hope. “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, expressing her optimism about the potential of this approach.
Despite experiencing some improvements, King-Crews acknowledges the complexity of her condition. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms. So, you’re improved on one side and not on the other, so it can make you feel a little more aware of the other,” she said, indicating that her journey is still ongoing.
Raising Awareness and Offering Hope
King-Crews chose to share her story after years of keeping her diagnosis private, motivated by a desire to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the latest medical advancements. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she remarked. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, echoed her sentiments, expressing his admiration for her resilience throughout their shared journey. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through… has been very, very hard,” he remarked, emotional as he reflected on her struggles and triumphs. He described witnessing her ability to write her name for the first time in three years as a profound moment.
In Canada, more than 120,000 individuals are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Canada. While no cure exists yet, medications and various therapies, including physiotherapy and exercise, have proven vital in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Why it Matters
The story of Rebecca King-Crews not only sheds light on the personal struggles faced by those living with Parkinson’s but also highlights the importance of ongoing research and innovative treatments. As awareness grows, so does the hope for breakthroughs that could improve the lives of many suffering from this debilitating condition. King-Crews’ courageous journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to advocate for better resources and support in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
