Since 1984, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek has brought joy into the living rooms of many. Today, 78-year-old Trebek announced that he has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in a video to fans.
Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working. And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.
During the video, Trebek looked stoic and valiant in the face of such a great challenge.
Stage four pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest forms of the disease to treat. Patrick Swayze, Steve Jobs, and Aretha Franklin all lost their battles to pancreatic cancer. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg beat her diagnosis of the same type. The brave game show host seemed to be in great spirits and encouraged his adoring fans to support him in his fight. At the end of his message, Trebek even made a joke:
“Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years! So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you.”
Many have already come out to support. Even long-running Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings took to Twitter, stating, “I’ve said this before but Alex Trebek is in a way the last Cronkite: authoritative, reassuring TV voice you hear every night, almost to the point of ritual.”
For the last 35 years, Alex Trebek hasTre been loved for his sharp-wit and welcoming demeanor, and everyone around the world is pulling for him.
Watch the whole video below:
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