Late 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek's wife Jean Trebek launches Cancer fund in his name, raises $1M for research
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In honor of the late legendary 'Jeopardy!' host, Alex Trebek, his wife Jean Trebek has set up a cancer fund as a tribute to his memory.
In partnership with journalist Katie Couric's charitable organization Stand Up to Cancer, the Alex Trebek fund aims to raise funds to advance pancreatic cancer research.
The beloved game show host had a personal battle with pancreatic cancer, which sadly claimed his life in 2020.
His enduring connection to 'Jeopardy!' serves as an inspiration for loyal fans and viewers to raise awareness and make contributions to the fund.
Jean Trebek was inspired by husband to set up cancer fund
The loving partner of the game show host Jean spoke about how she came to establish the fund after her late husband's name.
In a video introducing the fund, she stated, "He was very grateful. He was a man that moved through life with gratitude."
"When Alex was diagnosed, we had never thought in a million years it was Stage 4 pancreatic cancer," she further explained, "I thought it would be a great idea to set up this fund and stand up to cancer."
She also added, "And since he was all about the right answer, I think it's very fitting that this fund is now established in his name. And hopefully, it will benefit thousands and thousands of people."
So far, the fund has been able to raise $1 million through a donation from Jean herself and the Estate of Barbara Hanania, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Katie Couric shares story behind The Alex Trebek Fund
Katie Couric, the other personality involved in establishing this fund, disclosed that she had initiated contact with Jean before they collaborated on creating the fund.
Couric's personal connection to pancreatic cancer stemmed from the loss of her sister to this formidable disease, followed by the loss of her partner.
"When [Alex] lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, I reached out to Jean because having lost my husband Jay I really understood what it was like to lose someone you love so much and to actually watch them suffer through this disease," Couric told Today.
"We started talking about Alex's legacy and how we could honor him and that's when the idea of this fund came about," she added.
The two women are hoping that 'Jeopardy!' fans will be able to share their love for Alex through this fund by further supporting those who suffer from pancreatic cancer, which continues to lack much research on its detection.
