Iconic evening gameshow host, Alex Trebek, announced devastating news today: He has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Trebek has hosted the American general knowledge television game show since it began daily syndication in 1984. Under his command, the show has won 33 Daytime Emmy Awards and ranks in the Top 50 of American Television Shows ever aired.
Trebek seems to be in high spirits, even jokingly sharing:
“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.”
According to The American Cancer Association, 1 in 63 men will develop pancreatic cancer in their lifetime. The five-year survival rate for people who receive a diagnosis at any stage is only 9 percent. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer accounts for approximately 7 percent of all cancer deaths.
Regarding the news, Trebek said, “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.”
Social media is exploding with warm wishes and humorous outpours of love for the game show host:
I think, though, all of our thoughts can be summed up with this one heartfelt tweet…
To quote some of our favorite politicians, our thoughts and prayers are with Trebek and his family during this time. Seriously, though, cancer sucks ass and we hope that Alex can pull through. “Jeopardy!” would never be the same without his lovely face.
Featured image via Anders Krusberg on Flickr
