Rebecca King-Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, has disclosed her long-hidden battle with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis she received in 2015. During an appearance on the Today show, she discussed her experience and a recently approved non-invasive surgical procedure that aims to alleviate her symptoms.
Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
King-Crews, now 60, first noticed symptoms in 2012. She experienced numbness in her left foot while exercising, which eventually led to further complications. Her trainer observed that her arm did not swing when she walked, a symptom often associated with the disorder. One morning, her hand started shaking, prompting her to recognize it as a tremor, something she associated with her grandmother’s experience.
Initially, King’s doctors misattributed her symptoms to anxiety. It took three years for her to receive an accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder affecting motor functions.
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Despite her diagnosis, King-Crews remained active, working on various creative projects. “You don’t lay down and die because you got a diagnosis,” she said. Parkinson’s disease leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. Currently, there is no cure, but treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Innovative Treatment: Bilateral Focused Ultrasound
Recently, King-Crews underwent a bilateral focused ultrasound procedure, which delivered ultrasound waves to targeted areas of her brain. This method aims to improve movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. King-Crews expressed optimism, stating, “I feel good. I can write my name and my dates for the first time in probably three years.” She plans to have a second treatment in September to further address her symptoms.
Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
King-Crews has chosen to share her story now to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and innovative treatments. “I believe that this procedure and others like it are the new frontier of medicine,” she mentioned. She hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges, especially considering the high costs of such treatments, which are not currently covered by insurance.
Terry Crews, her husband, expressed his support and described the difficulties he witnessed during her journey. He emphasized the strength she has shown in facing these challenges, referring to her as a “superhero.” For over 37 years, they have stood by each other in times of health and hardship.
Statistics on Parkinson’s Disease
- Over 120,000 individuals in Canada are living with Parkinson’s disease.
- There is currently no cure for the disorder.
- Effective management strategies include medication and therapies such as physiotherapy and speech therapy.
King-Crews’ journey reflects the resilience required in battling Parkinson’s disease. Through her advocacy, she hopes to provide hope to others affected by this condition.
