During Alex Trebek’s fight against stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he became very involved in bringing awareness to the disease. He made a public service announcement warning people about early signs and symptoms (via Pancreatic Cancer Action Network). In a video for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Trebek shared, “I wish I had known sooner that the persistent stomach pain I experienced prior to my diagnosis was a symptom of pancreatic cancer,” (via YouTube).
That same year, Trebek also appeared at the PanCAN’s Purple Stride Walk & Run to give hope to the crowd of pancreatic cancer patients and survivors. Now, his family is continuing his work in promoting awareness of the disease. People report that his wife Jean, and children Emily, Nicky, and Matthew, continue to help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by helping raise funds. The family recently took part in PanCAN’s Purple Stride Walk & Run as well. Trebek’s daughter Nicky told the outlet, “I promised that I would be involved with PanCAN and try to make a difference and impact with them. I plan to do this every year.”
What made the day even more special was that it would have been Alex and Jean’s 32nd wedding anniversary. His wife summed it up best, “It’s a little bittersweet because this was the disease that took Alex’s human life, but, I also know what it pulled from him. His courage, his strength, and that was what Alex, I know, wants to be remembered for.”
