Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has publicly disclosed her ten-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease. In a candid conversation on the *Today* show, she shared insights about her diagnosis, the challenges of living with the condition, and her recent experience with a novel non-invasive surgical procedure aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
A Hidden Struggle
At 60 years old, King-Crews has lived with Parkinson’s since being diagnosed in 2015, although the first signs of the illness appeared as early as 2012. Initially, she experienced subtle symptoms like numbness in her left foot during exercise, which progressed to noticeable tremors. “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,” she recounted. Her symptoms escalated to the point where she recognised the tremors, recalling, “I said, ‘Now that’s a tremor.’”
Despite her symptoms, King-Crews faced a frustrating journey to diagnosis, which took three years. She described how some medical professionals attributed her symptoms to anxiety, and it wasn’t until she sought additional referrals that she received a proper diagnosis. “No disrespect to him, but I asked for referrals and I got them. It took three years to diagnose me,” she noted.
Embracing Life Amidst Challenges
During those years of uncertainty, King-Crews remained focused on her professional pursuits, working on a book, an album, and a clothing line. “Just keep going. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing,” she affirmed. “I believe that you don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.”
In 2015, her formal diagnosis of Parkinson’s was confirmed—a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including tremors and stiffness. Currently, there is no cure, but treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.
Innovative Treatment Brings Hope
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound treatment, a groundbreaking procedure that utilises ultrasound waves to target specific areas of the brain thought to be responsible for movement symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, this non-invasive approach is guided by MRI imaging to ensure precision.
“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 joy at regaining abilities she thought were lost. King-Crews plans to undergo a second procedure in September to address lingering symptoms on her left side. “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest, because part of the procedure is to improve symptoms,” she explained. “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.”
Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others
King-Crews decided to reveal her diagnosis and experience with Parkinson’s now to raise awareness about the condition and to share hope with others facing similar struggles. She emphasised, “I don’t believe in telling my story just so you can know my story and feel sorry for me. I really believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine.”
Her husband, Terry Crews, expressed his admiration and support for his wife’s resilience throughout her health battles. “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 emotional at the progress she’s made. “When it’s in sickness and health, this is the battle that we were designed to fight together.”
In Canada, over 120,000 individuals live with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Canada. While there is currently no cure, various treatments—including medications and therapies—can greatly enhance quality of life for those affected.
Why it Matters
King-Crews’s story is not just a personal narrative; it sheds light on the broader implications of living with Parkinson’s disease. By sharing her journey, she not only fosters awareness but also promotes hope for innovative treatments that could one day lead to a cure. Her bravery in confronting this debilitating condition and advocating for others is a reminder that behind every diagnosis lies a story of resilience, determination, and the enduring human spirit.
