Alex Trebek Updates 'Jeopardy!' Fans on Cancer Battle After Wrapping Up 35th Season of Show
Hearts across the nation broke when Alex Trebek, 78, shared that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year through a YouTube video on the “Jeopardy!” channel.
Despite the low survival odds, Trebek stood firm in his hope and readiness to fight his 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,” he said.
“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.”
The news of his diagnosis came more than a year after the iconic game show host fell in October 2017 and was later diagnosed with a subdural hematoma.
Trebek had a special message for fans including a brief update on his health after filming the last episode of the 35th season of “Jeopardy!”
“Some of you may recall that at the beginning of this season I promised you that we had some surprises in store for you,” he said.
“Well, of course, I had no idea at that time that there were some surprises in store for me as well.”
First, he thanked the fans who had reached out to send encouraging and supportive notes on social media or even thoughtful cards.
“I am touched beyond words,” Trebek said.
Then, continuing in his “longtime policy of being open and transparent,” Trebek gave fans a hopeful update.
“I’ve always tried to be straight with you and I’m not going to stop now,” he said.
“Despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good, I’m continuing with my therapy and we — by we, the staff — is already working on our next season, the 36th year of ‘Jeopardy!’ So I look forward to seeing you once again in September with all kinds of good stuff.”
The video was published on Facebook on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, and has already gained over 2 million views, showing just how much the show’s fans are invested in the host’s well-being.
We are praying for Alex Trebek, his family and close friends as they continue to fight against such a heartbreaking disease.
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