One of America’s most favorite television personalities, Alex Trebek, age 79 years old, announced his diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Trebek completed chemotherapy and is now looking forward to returning to hosting Jeopardy! Fans from everywhere flooded Trebek with good wishes. In his message to the fans, he said that he will continue to work declaring, “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 prayers, also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
The survival rate for five years is approximately nine percent for patients with stage four pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The average rate of survival is three to six months. Despite these frightening statistics, Trebek has improved impeccably. His tumors had shrunk by almost 50 percent in May.
In a sit down with CNN, he said, “I’ve gone through a lot of chemotherapy and thankfully that is now over. I’m on the mend and that’s all I can hope for right now.”
As for the future, Trebek as well as Jeopardy! itself is headed towards his 36th season after a remarkable season 35.
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His contract has been extended to 2022, despite rumors of his retirement post his health condition. He explains, “We have some exciting things coming up and I can’t wait to share them with all of you. Let me tell you, it’s going to be a good year.”
Despite the good outlook, Trebek has already done some future planning. He jokingly thinks Betty White would be a perfect replacement for him once he retires. Seeing as how White is 97 years old, that is unlikely. On a serious note, he has suggested a few names.
Los Angeles Kings sportscaster, Alex Faust who replaced Hall of Famer broadcaster Bob Miller, is one of his recommendations. He also mentioned a female replacement, Laura Coates, an African-American attorney who features on news shows sometimes.
Being a TV host for 50 years, and on the same show for 35 years is not an easy feat. His net worth is 50 million. Considering his health and his age, Trebek completed chemotherapy and survived like a warrior.
