Alex Trebek has been hosting game shows for over 50 years. We know him best as the long-running host of “Jeopardy.” Earlier this year Trebek went public with his diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer, the most advanced kind. He has appeared in PSA message, partnering with the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition to keep his fans updated on the situation.
Trebek spoke with CTV News saying his chemotherapy treatment is causing sores in his mouth that are making it difficult for him to enunciate his speech.
“I’m sure there are observant members of the television audience that notice also, but they’re forgiving,” Trebek said. “But there will come a point when they (fans and producers) will no longer be able to say, ‘It’s OK.'”
Alex has also said he is not afraid to die. He has lived a long, happy life so why should he be afraid?
“I’ve lived a good life, a full life, and I’m nearing the end of that life… If it happens, why should I be afraid of that?” he said.
The amount of support from his fans is overwhelming. Monday night during the “Tournament of Champions,” a contestant submitted an answer that got the host all choked up.
Alex Trebek getting choked up during Final Jeopardy today messed me all the way up. #Jeopardy #WeLoveYouAlex pic.twitter.com/QJVP4hJpGV
— sabreena (@aneerbas) November 12, 2019
Dhruv Gaur wrote, “What is we [heart] you Alex!” in place of his answer, betting $1,995 of his $2000 winnings. He lost.
“That’s very kind of you, thank you,” Trebek said, clearly struggling to stay composed.
Gaur was wearing a purple ribbon meant to promote awareness of pancreatic cancer. The ‘Tournament of Champions” organized a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research. They asked fans to tune in on Thursday and Friday to donate one dollar for every correct answer given.
