The late “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is gone but not forgotten.
Last week, his wife, Jean, and his children, Emily, Nicky, and Matthew teamed up to help the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network raise money on what should have been the couple’s 32nd wedding anniversary.
At the event, PanCan’s Purple Stride Walk & Run at the Los Angeles Zoo, Jean spoke to PEOPLE about what she wants Alex Trebek to be remembered for.
Alex Trebek’s Widow Says Raising Money For PanCan Is ‘Bittersweet’
In March 2019, Alex was open with his fans about his stage IV diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He eventually passed away on November 8, 2020, at the age of 80. However, his family decided not to stop fighting for others.
“It’s a little bittersweet because this was the disease that took Alex’s human life,” Jean told the publication. “But, I also know what it pulled from him. His courage, his strength, and that was what Alex, I know, wants to be remembered for.”
His oldest daughter, Nicky, has raised more than $20,000 dollars for the charity to date. “I promised that I would be involved with PanCAN and try to make a difference and impact with them. I plan to do this every year. I plan to do a Team Nicky every year.”
“One of the other things I try to do to keep his legacy alive is I worked on Jeopardy!, so I’m close with the Jeopardy! family and the Sony family,” she added.
She also opened up about The Trebek Center, which provides housing for homeless people in the San Fernando Valley.
She explained that “Hope of the Valley was another thing that was very close to dad’s heart and still close to Jean’s heart. The Trebek Center’s going to be opening with 107 beds for homeless people all over the San Fernando Valley. That was something that he really, really wanted to see come to fruition. So I have some friends that want to work at the Trebek Center. I’m trying to get everybody jobs there. That’s how I’m sort of trying to continue his legacy.”
Jean Trebek Wants To Say ‘Thank You’ To The Fans
Jean said that she wants to say thank you to “Jeopardy!” fans around the world who have showed support for Alex’s family in their time of grieving.
“I would just say thank you,” Jean said. “We love all of you and I wish there was a way we could let everyone know how much we really appreciate all the love and support that the family’s receive and we send it right back to you.”
PanCan also appreciated the family’s support, who are still working to support others suffering from pancreatic cancer. PanCan President & CEO Julie Fleshman told the publication, “We have one amazing patient services program, so if someone is diagnosed, they should call PanCAN, be connected with one of our trained case managers and we can provide them with information and resources so they can make informed decisions.”
Individuals who are looking to support the cause can visit pancan.org to make a donation.
