On Tuesday morning, the daughter of iconic Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced that she’ll be raising funds for pancreatic cancer following her father’s death from the disease.
Nicky Trebek joined CBS This Morning earlier today to talk about her dad and his legacy. The longtime Jeopardy! host passed away in November after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Now, Nicky is honoring her father by getting involved with a fundraiser that also helps bring awareness to the disease.
Nicky is Trebek’s adopted daughter from his marriage to ex-wife Elaine Trebek Kares. The couple were married from 1974 to 1981 before divorcing. She announced during her CBS This Morning appearance that she’s creating a team to participate in the annual PurpleStride walk. The walk helps raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, which is supported by Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
“I’m doing this to honor my dad, to raise awareness for other families and other people struggling with the disease,” Nicky explained on CBS This Morning.
The annual PurpleStride walk will take place on May 1 in Los Angles, California. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraising event will be virtual compared to previous events.
‘Jeopardy!’ Host’s Daughter Thought Trebek Would Beat Cancer Diagnosis
While speaking on the morning show, Nicky Trebek opened up about her dad’s struggles with cancer. In addition, she recalled the last PurpleStride event that the legendary Jeopardy! host was able to be a part of.
During the group’s May 2019 event, Nicky was in awe of how many people attended. She said the amount of people who came out to support Trebek was “mind-blowing.” Considering how popular the quiz show has been for decades, in large part due to her father, Nicky shouldn’t have been surprised.
“At that time, I think we all still thought he was going to beat it,” Nicky admitted. “It was one of those things where [we thought] he’s invincible and so extraordinary in so many things that he does in life.”
The 2019 event occurred just two months after Alex Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis while hosting Jeopardy!.
“I wanted to be the one to pass along this information,” Trebek said in a statement. “Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.”
Following her appearance on CBS This Morning, Nicky posted to her Instagram account. She promoted the PurpleStride walk with numerous hashtags. Additionally, she shared a selfie of herself wearing a “Team Alex” hat.
“All for you Dad!!! 🙏🏼 #blessed What a morning,” Nicky said of joining the show.
