Hey there, friends. You know that beloved TV star Alex Trebek? Well, he’s got some good news to share with all of us. On March 4, the long-time Jeopardy! host gave fans an update about his ongoing battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer in a heartfelt video that was shared on the game show's official Twitter page. It’s been quite the journey for Alex, and this update is definitely worth checking out.
Alex Hits the One-Year Mark in His Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
In the video, the 79-year-old Alex took a moment to address everyone directly, sharing some personal insights from the Jeopardy! set. He began with a warm greeting: “Hi everyone, if you’ve got a minute, I’d like to give an update on my health situation.” Then he dropped some powerful stats: “The one-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is 18 percent. And I’m very happy to report that I just reached that mark.”
A one-year update from Alex: pic.twitter.com/W9101suZeZ
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Now, if you recall, Alex first announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis back in March 2019. This past year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with its fair share of ups and downs. But here we are, celebrating a significant milestone in his fight against this disease.
A Year Full of Challenges and Reflections
Alex didn’t shy away from the truth when he talked about how tough the past year has been. He admitted, “Now, I’d be lying if I said the journey was an easy one. There were some good days, but a lot of not-so-good days.” He even joked with friends, saying, “The cancer won’t kill me, the chemo treatments will.”
But it wasn’t all laughter; Alex faced some incredibly difficult moments. He spoke candidly about the great pain he endured, days when his body didn’t cooperate, and sudden, overwhelming attacks of depression. “There were moments of great pain, days when certain bodily functions no longer functioned, and sudden, massive attacks of great depression that made me wonder if it was really worth fighting on,” he confessed.
Optimism Despite the Struggles
Even with all these challenges, Alex made sure to let his fans know that he’s staying optimistic. He explained, “I brushed that aside quickly because that would have been a massive betrayal.” He went on to express his gratitude and love for those closest to him. “A betrayal of my wife and soulmate, Jean, who has given her all to help me survive,” he sweetly continued. “It would have been a betrayal of other cancer patients who have looked up to me as an inspiration and a cheerleader of sorts, of the value of living and hope. And it certainly would’ve been a betrayal of my faith in God and the millions of prayers that have been said on my behalf.”
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Though Alex has surpassed the one-year mark in his journey, he knows there’s still a long road ahead. “My oncologist tried to cheer me up the other day,” he recalled. “He said, Alex, even though the two-year survival rate is only 7 percent, he was certain the two of us would be sitting in his office celebrating my second anniversary of survival.”
“And you know something, if I — no, if we, because so many of us are involved in this same situation,” he stated, before continuing, “If we just take it one day at a time, with a positive attitude, anything is possible. I’ll keep you posted.”
Alex Seen Out and About: Staying Strong
Alex’s update comes just a few weeks after he was spotted out and about in mid-February. The handsome Hollywood star seemed to be in good spirits as he took out the garbage outside his home in Los Angeles. It’s always heartwarming to see our favorite stars staying active and positive despite the challenges they face.
So, here’s to you, Alex! We’ve got your back, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way. You’ve got this!
