Alex Trebek's daughter helps raise over $10,000 to fight pancreatic cancer in her late father's honor

Alex Trebek's daughter, Nicky, is honoring her father's legacy by raising funds and awareness for battling pancreatic cancer. The beloved Jeopardy! host died on November 8, 2020, from pancreatic cancer, making the cause a personal one for his daughter. Speaking to CBS News Trebek said, "I just want to carry on his legacy, honor his fight, you know." She said, she would be conducting a virtual PurpleStride walk, an initiative that benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Following in her father's footsteps of generosity and charity, Trebek is all set to raise $10 million for the nonprofit along with other big names from the television and film industry.

The legendary TV show host was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and the same year he participated in the PanCAN PurpleStride event. He was joined by his daughter as well who found the experience to be "mind-blowing." She said, "That day was incredible, to drive up and see all of the other survivors and see him on stage with the other survivors, telling him their story and listening to others." This year, she again participated in what is PanCAN's biggest fundraiser event, which took place on May 1. She joined as the team captain of one of the three all-star celebrity teams. All of the participants have a personal connection to pancreatic cancer.

"I am thrilled to honor my father by participating in PanCAN's PurpleStride Los Angeles this year," Trebek said according to a press release. "I'm doing it again this year to carry on what my dad and I did at PurpleStride in 2019; to raise awareness and foster hope for so many others struggling with this disease. When my dad announced to the world that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he concluded with the powerful words, 'We'll get it done.' I am exceptionally proud to be a part of a movement that is helping to carry out that wish." She managed to raise over $10,000 toward her goal of $22,222. Overall, the event managed to raise $385,756 exceeding the goal of $353,000.

Trebek was joined by other stars—including Dan Fogelman, writer and producer of This Is Us, and Star Trek actors Jonathan Frakes, Kitty Swink, and Armin Shimerman—who raised $11,000 and $ 35,000 respectively. Funds raised through the event help provide patients with free, personalized information, services, and resources that could make a real difference in their lives.  Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA, president and CEO of PanCAN said, "Participating in PurpleStride virtually means you can join from anywhere and what a wonderful way for our community to come together for such an important cause. I am exceptionally grateful to our celebrity team captains for helping raise awareness, and to everyone who is rallying behind our efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer."

Trebek will continue to advocate for PanCAN and do whatever she can to help raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a five-year survival rate of just 10 percent. Earlier this year, Trebek shared a picture with her father, on the occasion of it being two years since he bravely announced his cancer diagnoses on Jeopardy! She wrote: "He brought much-needed awareness to this terrible disease and provided hope to so many struggling. I'm beyond proud of him for his courage and integrity throughout his illness. So I'm continuing what he started and will fight for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer." She continued, by stating that she will continue to donate to PanCAN and encouraged her followers to do the same as well. You can donate to PanCan here.