Each weeknight Americans settle in for an evening of relaxation by tuning into Jeopardy! The show has ruled early evening television for over 55 years. Alex Trebek, one of the most recognizable faces on TV, has made “Let’s play Jeopardy!” one of the hallmarks of contemporary American culture.
Alex Trebek announced in March of this year that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment. With his words “Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working.”, he became the face of this cancer.
Picture yourself standing behind a Jeopardy! podium. “Cancers” is on the big board. You buzz in and cautiously say, “Alex, Cancers for $100.”
- $100 – Almost 57,000 people will be diagnosed with this cancer in 2019.
- $200 – Almost 46,000 people will die of this cancer in 2019.
- $300 – This cancer is the 3rd leading cause of US cancer related deaths.
- $400 – This cancer has the highest mortality rate of all cancers.
- $500 – 74% of patients diagnosed with this cancer die in the 1st year after diagnosis.
“Alex, what is pancreatic cancer.” Bingo! You knew those cold hard facts of pancreatic cancer. Your life most likely has been touched by cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers with a very high mortality rate.
My cycling pal Ron’s wife, Sue, died from pancreatic cancer in 2018. She fought the courageous battle. Her positive attitude knew those cold hard Jeopardy! facts. She bravely lived life aiming to be a survivor. She lost her fight shortly before last year’s 3-2-1 Ride.
Sue’s battle lives on through her family and friends including me who cycle on Sue’s Crew, a 3-2-1 Ride peloton. The 3-2-1 Ride is a Pittsburgh-based charity bicycle ride where 100% of all donations go directly to pancreatic and melanoma cancer research and support. This year the event organizers are honoring Sue’s memory by naming the metric century (62-miles) ride in her name.
I cycle one charity ride a year. It is not about riding my bike and completing a metric century. I cycle for Sue and the people who touched my life battling cancer with some winning and others losing the battle. Please help me help those who struggle with this cancer. Know that your donation, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
Thanks,
Tom
To donate: https://321ride.rallybound.org/tombilcze