In a heartfelt revelation, Rebecca King-Crews, wife of actor Terry Crews, disclosed on the *Today* show that she has been quietly contending with Parkinson’s disease since 2015. The couple shared insights into her journey with the illness and discussed a pioneering non-invasive surgical treatment that aims to alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms associated with the condition.
A Long Road to Diagnosis
King-Crews, a 60-year-old fashion designer, began experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s as early as 2012, with initial signs including numbness in her left foot while exercising. During her appearance, she recounted, “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.” It wasn’t until she noticed a tremor in her hand that she sought further medical advice.
Despite her concerns, her initial visits to healthcare professionals were met with uncertainty. “My doctor thought I was having anxiety, and a neurologist wasn’t sure what was going on,” she explained. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them. It took three years to diagnose me.”
During those challenging years, King-Crews continued to pursue her passions, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. Her resilience is evident as she stated, “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing. I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
Embracing Innovative Treatment
After a lengthy diagnostic journey, King-Crews received her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015. The condition, which progressively impairs motor function, has no known cure, making symptom management crucial. Recently, she underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, a non-invasive procedure that utilises ultrasound waves guided by MRI to target specific areas of the brain associated with movement symptoms.
Post-treatment, King-Crews expressed optimism about her recovery, 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 plans to have a second procedure in September to address ongoing symptoms on her left side.
“I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” she added. “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 other side.”
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Hope
After keeping her diagnosis private for nearly a decade, King-Crews chose to share her story to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the potential of innovative treatments. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she affirmed. “I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, shared his emotional response to her journey, stating that witnessing her struggles has been profoundly difficult. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he said, visibly moved. “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.”
According to Parkinson Canada, over 120,000 individuals in the country are living with Parkinson’s disease. While there is no cure, medications and therapies can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
Rebecca King-Crews’ candid discussion about her battle with Parkinson’s disease sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by many. By sharing her experience and the hope surrounding new treatment options, she not only offers encouragement to others living with similar challenges but also advocates for greater awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s. Her story exemplifies the importance of resilience and innovation in the fight against chronic illnesses, inspiring hope for a future where effective treatments and, potentially, cures become accessible to all.
