Two days after returning to work for the first time since announcing that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek posted a video message Thursday thanking fans for the outpouring of love and support he's received.
"Hi everyone, I just want to take a few moments to say thanks to the -- believe it or not -- hundreds of thousands of people who have sent in tweets, texts, emails, cards, and letters wishing me well following my recent health announcement," Trebek said.
"Now obviously, I won't be able to respond to all of you individually but I did want you to know that I do read everything I receive and I am thankful for the kind words, the prayers, and the advice you have offered, and
I'm extremely touched by the warmth you have expressed in your comments to me," Trebek continued. "I'm a lucky guy."
Trebek returned to work Tuesday on the Sony lot in Culver City where the ABC show is taped.
He had previously announced the diagnosis in a YouTube video, saying he has a "longtime policy of being open and transparent" with fans of the show, and to prevent people "from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health."
"Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer," the 78-year-old Trebek said. "Now normally the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I'm
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going to fight this and I'm going to keep working. And with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.
"Truth told, I have to, because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy' for three more years," he joked. "So help me. Keep the faith and we'll win. We'll get it done. Thank you."
A native of Canada and father of two, Trebek has hosted the syndicated answers-and-questions quiz show since 1984.
