For more than a decade, Rebecca Crews lived with the quiet, progressive erosion of her motor skills. The 60-year-old wife of actor Terry Crews spent 11 years navigating the complexities of a neurodegenerative condition that eventually stripped her of the ability to write her own name or dress herself without assistance.
Now, she is sharing her story to highlight a Parkinson’s treatment that stopped tremors and restored a sense of autonomy she feared was gone forever. Through a non-invasive procedure known as focused ultrasound (FUS), Rebecca has regained the use of her right hand and leg, marking a significant turning point in her long battle with the disease.
“I feel quality,” Rebecca said, reflecting on the breakthrough. “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.”
The decision to head public with her diagnosis came only after she felt she had a positive outcome to share. For the couple, who have been married for 36 years and share five adult children, the journey has been one of shared resilience and a desperate search for effective symptom management.
Understanding Focused Ultrasound (FUS)
Focused ultrasound is an emerging medical technology that provides an alternative for patients who may not be candidates for traditional invasive brain surgery, such as deep brain stimulation. Unlike traditional surgery, FUS does not require an incision or the implantation of electrodes.
The procedure uses high-intensity sound waves, directed with precision into specific areas of the brain, to disrupt the abnormal electrical signals that cause tremors. This allows clinicians to target the precise area responsible for the movement disorder while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
Dr. Vivek Buch, a neurosurgeon at Stanford University, describes FUS as a “very cool, emerging technology.” He notes that the primary value of the treatment is the restoration of dignity and independence. “It gives [Parkinson’s patients] back control over the simple things in life like eating and putting on clothes that you don’t realize how important they are until they’re taken away from you,” Buch said.
A Decade of Undetected Symptoms
The path to diagnosis was not immediate. Rebecca recalls her first symptoms appearing around 2012, beginning with a numbness in her left foot that eventually developed into a limp. At the time, medical professionals attributed the limp to over-exercising.
Still, the signs of Parkinson’s disease became more apparent through the observations of others. Her personal trainer noticed that her left arm did not swing naturally during exercise, a common early indicator of the condition known as decreased arm swing.
The realization became personal when Rebecca noticed her hand shaking while applying lip gloss. Having seen her grandmother struggle with similar tremors, she recognized the symptom for what it was. Over the next decade, the disease progressed, leading to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and severe muscle stiffness.
The emotional toll peaked shortly before her treatment. Rebecca described a moment of profound despair, recalling, “I was kneeling by my bed, praying and crying since I had not slept in several nights and was just ready to die.” It was during this period of crisis that Terry Crews suggested she explore FUS.
The Road to Recovery and Next Steps
The FUS procedure typically lasts about five hours. In a testament to the couple’s support system, Terry Crews remained connected to the medical team via phone from Australia, where he was working, as Rebecca underwent the process in an MRI scanner.
“I stayed on the phone the middle of the night in Australia as the doctor was giving me progress reports,” Crews said. “When I finally heard she made it out and everything was ok, it was a lovely moment.”
The results were nearly instantaneous. Within hours of the procedure, Rebecca realized she could lift her leg without support and sign her name in legible handwriting—tasks that had been impossible for years.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| 2012 | First symptoms appear (left foot numbness, limp) |
| Diagnosis Period | Observation of decreased arm swing and hand tremors |
| Recent Procedure | FUS treatment for the right side of the body |
| September (Upcoming) | Scheduled second FUS procedure for the left side |
While the first procedure has significantly improved her quality of life, the process is not yet complete. Because the treatment targets specific regions of the brain, patients often require separate procedures for each side of the body. Rebecca is scheduled to undergo a second FUS procedure in September to address the symptoms on her left side.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
As Rebecca prepares for her final scheduled procedure in September, her story serves as a visible example of how advancements in neurological care can return basic functional abilities to those living with Parkinson’s disease. The couple continues to navigate the challenges of the condition together, focusing on the “uplifting information” that new technology can provide.
We invite you to share your thoughts or experiences with neurological health in the comments below.
