For three decades now, America (and Canada) have tuned into Jeopardy hosted by the iconic Alex Trebek. Earlier today, Trebek shared a message on YouTube regarding his health. The 78-year-old announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
What’s happening:
- Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy has announced that he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
- In a message to fans via the Jeopardy YouTube channel, Trebek addressed his diagnosis telling audiences that he wanted the news to come from him.
- Trebek presents his message in good spirits saying he plans to beat this, even joking that he has to because his Jeopardy contract has him working for another 3 years.
- Trebek asks his fans to “keep the faith” and that they send their prayers.
- The transcript of his message is contained in the description on the video and reads:
"Hi everyone, I have some news to share with all of you and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base. I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. So therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information.
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. 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."Alex Trebek
Culver City, California
March 6, 2019
- Disney CEO, Bob Iger weighed in on twitter with words of encouragement. His tweet reads:
- “Our hearts go out to you, #Alextrebek, a member of our Disney-ABC family for so long. We admire your courage and determination, and in the words of Winston Churchill: ‘never, never, never, never give up!’”
- Famed Jeopardy contestant Ken Jennings also shared a series of tweets noting the importance Trebek has in lives of many: