What is heartwarming news? This health update from Alex Trebek.
The Jeopardy! host checked in with viewers on Wednesday with an inspiring video one year after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, noting he's "very happy to report" he's reached this milestone given the one-year survival rate of 18 percent.
Trebek went on to say that the journey to get here hasn't been "an easy one," and he sometimes wondered "if it really was worth fighting on." But he did keep fighting, he explained, because not to do so would be a "massive betrayal" of his wife, of all those who have "looked to me as an inspiration," and of his faith in God. Trebek added that his oncologist recently told him that although the two-year survival rate of stage four pancreatic cancer is seven percent, he's "certain" they'll be celebrating another anniversary this time next year.
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"If we take it just one day at a time with a positive attitude, anything is possible," Trebek concluded.
After announcing his cancer diagnosis last March, Trebek vowed to "beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease" with the help of his family, friends, and prayers from viewers. He opened up about his battle in a December interview with ABC News, in which he noted he's received an outpouring of support from fans telling him what he means to them.
"They have come out and they have told me," Trebek said. "And my gosh, it makes me feel so good." Brendan Morrow
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