Stand Up To Cancer Launches Alex Trebek Fund as His Daughter Urges “Jeopardy!” Fans to 'Really Lean In'

On the first day of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2023, Stand Up To Cancer announced the new fund in honor of the longtime game show host, who died from the disease on Nov. 8, 2020

Nearly three years have passed since Alex Trebek died on Nov. 8, 2020, less than two years after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Now Stand Up To Cancer is marking the start of November's Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by announcing the Alex Trebek Fund, which will raise money for critical research. The fund was kickstarted with a generous donation from Trebek's wife Jean and their children Matthew and Emily.

"When Alex was diagnosed, we never in a million years thought it was stage 4 pancreatic cancer," Jean says in a video announcing the fund, which also features Emily and current Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings.

"I thought it would be a great idea to set up this fund through Stand Up To Cancer, and since he was all about the right answer, I think it's very fitting that this fund is now established in his name. Hopefully it will benefit thousands and thousands of people," adds Jean.

"I hope that all the fans of Jeopardy! and the community will really lean in and show support for my dad," Emily urges. "They shows so much support for my dad when he was going through his treatments, so I hope they stand up with this great organization."

Related: Alex Trebek's Family Opens Up About Their 'Bittersweet' Traditions to Honor His Memory

Stand Up To Cancer issued an exclusive statement to PEOPLE about the new fund: "With over $1 million in contributions already raised through a generous donation from Jean Trebek, wife of the late Alex Trebek, and the Estate of Barbara Hanania, Stand Up To Cancer will continue to fundraise throughout the month of November, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and beyond in support of patients and families impacted by this deadly disease."

Related: Inside Katie Couric's Longtime Cancer Prevention Advocacy: 'My Personal Mission'

Pancreatic cancer currently has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, and early detection screenings still have a long way to go. For all stages combined, the five-year survival rate is only 12%.

Stand Up To Cancer has set a $250,000 match challenge, with the organization's co-founder Katie Couric making a donation in honor of her sister Emily, who died from pancreatic cancer 22 years ago.

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To learn more about The Alex Trebek Fund and to make a donation, please visit StandUpToCancer.org/TheAlexTrebekFund.

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