Alex Trebek has a message for his supporters: Thank you.
The “Jeopardy” host announced last week that he has been 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,” he said at the time, in a video posted on the show’s YouTube channel.
Pancreatic cancer, on average and across all stages, has a 5-year survival rate of 9 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.
As someone who lost both parents to pancreatic cancer 20 years apart I have to say this headline is disrespectful and Trebek deserves better than having his mortality discussed like betting odds. https://t.co/3SBLu082A7 @washingtonpost
— jelani cobb (@jelani9) March 7, 2019
On Thursday, the show’s official Twitter account shared a video of Trebek offering his gratitude for how people have rallied around him.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/XSk1c4FHbu
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) March 14, 2019
“Hi everyone,” Trebek said in the short video, which was tweeted along with the caption “Thank you.” “I just want to 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.”
The host said he’s heard from former contestants and “even Watson, the IBM computer, sent me a get well card.”
Thoughts and prayers for a full recovery Mr. Trebek from Jay and #trendmagazineonline
Your are my favorite game show host on my favorite game show of all time!
God bless!https://t.co/hWOMTUtyVq https://t.co/hWOMTUtyVq
— Queen City Tours and Travel (@QCTours) March 15, 2019
“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,” Trebek said. “And I am thankful for the kind words, the prayers and the advice you have offered and I am extremely touched by the warmth you have expressed in your comments to me.”
He ended the video by saying “I’m a lucky guy.”
Alex Trebek posts a new video to thank viewers for their support after revealing his diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He promises to fight the disease while also continuing to host “Jeopardy!” — https://t.co/AS1jB3FJ6q
— WSBT (@WSBT) March 15, 2019
Trebek resumed taping the popular game show following his announcement.
A Message from Alex Trebek: pic.twitter.com/LbxcIyeTCF
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) March 6, 2019
By Lisa Respers France
