Alex Trebek's loved ones honor late “Jeopardy” host with cancer research fund
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Next week will mark the third anniversary of Alex Trebek's death from pancreatic cancer, but his legacy lives on. And now his loved ones are partnering with Stand Up to Cancer to launch a cancer research foundation in his name.
SU2C and Jean Trebek, the late Jeopardy host's widow, announced the launch of the Alex Trebek Fund on Wednesday. The fund will support expanding research and resources for treating pancreatic cancer, the deadliest of all major cancers. Jean Trebek and the estate of Barbara Hanania have combined to donate more than $1 million to the fund.
"Alex knew that knowledge equaled power. He was a man that really loved to know things and stayed very curious," Jean Trebek said in a statement. "Since Alex was all about the right answer, I think it's very fitting that this fund is now established in his name. It's a way for the community that loved him to put resources directly into the hands of scientists working tirelessly to fight a disease shrouded by many unknowns."
Eric McCandless via Getty Images Alex Trebek on 'Jeopardy'
SU2C also released a video announcement featuring current Jeopardy host Ken Jennings as well as Jean Trebek and daughter Emily Trebek.
Jennings reflects on Trebek's intelligence and grace in the video. "Jeopardy was always big for me as a kid, so Alex was a big inspiration for me. He created this place, this space where it was safe to be a smart person," Jennings says. "He was so good at it, so graceful, so perfect for the role, that we all thought the job was easy. And it's not, hosting Jeopardy is incredibly hard."
Emily Trebek calls on the Jeopardy community to join her family in supporting the fund. "I hope that all of the fans and community of Jeopardy really can lean in and show support for this," she says in the video. "I think they showed so much support for my dad when he was going through his cancer treatments. I hope that they stand up with this great organization."
Watch the announcement video above.
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