Alex Trebek Posts Thankful Message For Support After Revealing Cancer Diagnosis
Published on March 15, 2019. Updated May 21, 2019Roth Stock/Everett Collection
Alex Trebek is feeling thankful for all the love and support from fans all over the world after he revealed his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
On Thursday, March 14, only two days after Trebek returned to Jeopardy! for his hosting job, the 78-year-old shared a video message to fans and supporters. “Hi everyone, I just wanna take a few moments to say thanks to the — believe it or not — hundreds of thousands of people who have sent in tweets, texts, emails, cards, and letters wishing me well following my recent health announcement,” he began in the clip shared on Twitter.
“I’ve heard from former contestants — even Watson, the IBM computer sent me a get well card!” he revealed.
“Now obviously, I won’t be able to respond to all of you individually but I did want you to know that I do read everything I receive and I am thankful for the kind words, the prayers, and the advice you have offered, and I’m extremely touched by the warmth you have expressed in your comments to me,” Trebek continued.
He concluded simply, “I’m a lucky guy.”
Jeopardy! also sent out its own message thanking fans for their incredible support. “The outpouring of good wishes and support in response to Alex’s recent health news has been humbling and overwhelming,” they wrote on March 8. “Please know that your messages are being conveyed to him and are deeply appreciated. From everyone at Jeopardy! – thank you.”
On Wednesday, March 6, Trebek shared the somber news that he had been diagnosed with the aggressive cancer, but vowed to battle. “. Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” he said in part.
“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 continued.
“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,” he said.