Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has bravely disclosed her long-standing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has faced in silence since 2015. During a recent appearance on the Today Show, the couple opened up about her diagnosis and the promising non-invasive surgical treatment she has recently undergone to alleviate symptoms linked to this central nervous system disorder.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews recounted the gradual onset of her symptoms, which first became apparent in 2012. While exercising, she experienced a tingling sensation in her left foot, prompting her trainer to take notice of her arm’s lack of movement while walking. It wasn’t until the following year that she recognised the seriousness of her condition when she woke up to find her hand shaking—a symptom she identified as a tremor, reminiscent of her grandmother’s experiences with the disease.
Initially, medical professionals misattributed her symptoms to anxiety, leaving King-Crews in a frustrating limbo. “It took three years to diagnose me,” she explained during the interview with Craig Melvin. With tenacity, she sought additional referrals, eventually receiving a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015. This neurodegenerative condition leads to progressive damage in the brain, resulting in tremors, slowness of movement, and muscle rigidity, with no current cure available.
Embracing a New Treatment
Following her diagnosis, King-Crews continued to pursue her passion for creativity, working on various projects including a book and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed. Her resilience is commendable, as she refuses to succumb to despair despite the challenges posed by her condition.
Recently, King-Crews underwent a groundbreaking procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which utilises targeted ultrasound waves to treat specific areas of the brain associated with movement. This innovative treatment has offered her renewed 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 relief and joy at this progress.
As she continues her recovery—expected to last around three months—she remains optimistic about further improvements, particularly as she prepares for a second procedure in September aimed at addressing more persistent symptoms, including tremors on her left side.
Raising Awareness
King-Crews’ decision to publicly share her journey comes after years of keeping her diagnosis private. She emphasised that her intent is not to seek sympathy but to illuminate the realities of living with Parkinson’s disease and the advancements in treatment options. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she stated, advocating for greater accessibility to such treatments, which currently are not covered by insurance and can be financially burdensome.
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his admiration for his wife’s resilience over the years, reflecting on the emotional toll it has taken on both of them. “To watch 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,” he remarked, highlighting the profound impact of her journey.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson Canada estimates that over 120,000 Canadians are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no cure, various medications and therapies, including physiotherapy and exercise, can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected. King-Crews’ story serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges, there are ongoing developments in medical science that offer hope to many.
Why it Matters
The revelations from Rebecca King-Crews shed light on the often invisible struggles of those living with chronic illnesses. By sharing her personal narrative, she not only raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease but also advocates for advancements in treatment that could change lives. Her story exemplifies the importance of resilience, hope, and the ongoing fight for better healthcare solutions for all.
