Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has opened up about her ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition she has been privately managing since 2015. During an emotional appearance on the Today show, the couple discussed King-Crews’ diagnosis and highlighted a groundbreaking non-invasive surgical treatment she recently underwent to alleviate some of her symptoms.
A Hidden Struggle Unveiled
At 60 years of age, King-Crews shared the origins of her symptoms, which began around 2012 with a peculiar numbness in her left foot while exercising. 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 was a series of alarming developments, including a noticeable tremor in her hand, that led her to realise something was fundamentally wrong. “I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor,'” she recalled, drawing from her family history of similar symptoms.
Initially, medical professionals misattributed her condition to anxiety, and it took three long years before she received a formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2015. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them,” King-Crews explained, reflecting on the extended journey to understanding her health. “It took three years to diagnose me.” Despite the challenges, she remained focused on her creative projects, including a book, an album, and a clothing line, maintaining that life should go on even in the face of adversity. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she asserted.
Innovative Treatment Offers Hope
Following her diagnosis, King-Crews has explored various avenues for managing her condition, which is characterised by gradual brain damage leading to symptoms such as tremors and stiff muscles. Recently, she underwent a novel non-invasive procedure known as bilateral focused ultrasound, which has reportedly brought some relief. This treatment utilises targeted ultrasound waves to address areas of the brain responsible for movement control, guided by MRI imaging.
Post-procedure, King-Crews expressed her optimism, 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 described experiencing improvements in her physical abilities, including performing a ballet move known as port de bras, which she had struggled with previously. “I’m still in recovery,” she noted, adding that further progress is anticipated over the next three months.
Moreover, King-Crews is scheduled for a second treatment in September aimed at addressing persistent symptoms such as numbness and tremors on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she explained, acknowledging the complexities of her condition.
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Change
After keeping her diagnosis private for nearly a decade, King-Crews felt compelled to share her story now to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the emerging treatments available. “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me,” she remarked. Instead, she aims to inform others about the potential of new medical advancements, particularly as the bilateral focused ultrasound procedure is currently expensive and lacks coverage. “I’m excited about the possibility,” she said, expressing hope that sharing her experience might help others facing similar challenges.
Terry Crews, visibly affected by his wife’s journey, expressed his admiration for her resilience. “To watch her go through what she’s gone through over the last 10 to 12 years has been very, very hard,” he shared, detailing the emotional toll of observing her tremors and struggles. He believes that this innovative treatment could signify a turning point in their battle against the disease. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together,” he affirmed.
The Broader Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
In Canada alone, over 120,000 individuals are living with Parkinson’s, a chronic condition that currently has no cure. While medications can alleviate some symptoms, therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and regular exercise play crucial roles in enhancing the quality of life for those affected. As awareness surrounding Parkinson’s disease grows, stories like King-Crews’ reinforce the importance of medical advancements and community support for individuals grappling with this debilitating disorder.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’ candid revelation about her decade-long battle with Parkinson’s sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by many individuals living with chronic conditions. Her journey not only highlights the significance of early diagnosis and effective treatment options but also serves as a beacon of hope for those in similar situations. By sharing her experience, she fosters a greater understanding of Parkinson’s disease, encouraging others to seek help and explore innovative treatments that could improve their lives.
