The Alex Trebek Fund Launches for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Suzanne Somers Cause of Death Confirmed and More

The Alex Trebek Fund was launched to honor the late “Jeopardy!” host.

Stand Up To Cancer and Jean Trebek, Alex Trebek’s wife, have launched the Alex Trebek Fund to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer research in light of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Trebek was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2019, passing a year after his diagnosis. Trebek was the “Jeopardy!” host for over 36 years.

Read More: 'Jeopardy!' Host Alex Trebek Dies After Receiving Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer

Over $1 million has been raised and the fund will continue to raise money throughout the entire month of November.

"Alex knew that knowledge equaled power. He was a man that really loved to know things and stayed very curious," said Jean Trebek in a press release issued by Stand Up To Cancer. "Since Alex was all about the right answer, I think it's very fitting that this fund is now established in his name. It's a way for the community that loved him to put resources directly into the hands of scientists working tirelessly to fight a disease shrouded by many unknowns."

"The reason cancer advocacy has worked so effectively for other types of cancer research is because there are a group of survivors who become advocates. Because there aren't many people who survive pancreatic cancer, like my sister Emily, the built-in advocacy base isn't there, and it's up to the ones left behind to channel our grief into activism," said Katie Couric, journalist and Stand Up To Cancer co-founder. "For all the fans who loved and respected Alex — and there are legions of them — this fund allows them to honor him and support lifesaving science."

Actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Pete Sampras, a 14-time Grand Slam Champion tennis player, announced on X that his wife, former actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

"As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family, and I have decided to share what's been going on. Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer," he said in a statement released by the ATP Tour. "Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy."

Sampras discussed how difficult this has been on their family.

"It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette, myself and each other has been amazing,” he stated.

Bridgette is a former actress, who stared in movies including “The Wedding Planner,” “Billy Madison” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and shows including “Frasier,” “Saved By The Bell” and “CSI: Miami.”

Sampras discussed Bridgette’s strength and compassion throughout the entire process.

"Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all has been inspiring," he said.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus discussed her health journey post cancer diagnosis.

“Veep” star, Julia Louis- Dreyfus revealed her new mindset after being diagnosed with breast cancer almost five years ago.

Dreyfus, 62, announced that she was in shock and fear after hearing that she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

Read More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus Talks About Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Dolph Lundgren Gives a Cancer Update and More

“I mean, it felt like it was written. It felt like it was a horrible black comedy,” she said in an interview with WSJ. Magasine. “And then it sort of morphed into crying hysterically. You just simply don’t consider it for yourself, you know, that’s sort of the arrogance of human beings. But of course, at some point, we’re all going to bite it.”

Dreyfus has remained cancer-free since October, after undergoing a double mastectomy and six rounds of chemotherapy.

“I find myself living more mindfully,” Dreyfus stated. “It’s not like it’s yakking at me all the time, but there’s more laser focus.”

The cause of death was confirmed for “Three’s Company” star, Suzanne Somers.

Suzanne Somers, known from her starring role in “Three’s Company” died from breast cancer that eventually spread to her brain. Hypertension and hydrocephalus were also contributors to Somers’s death.

Somers died on Oct. 15 after undergoing an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.

"Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly,” explained Somers’s publicist, R. Couri Hay in a recent statement.

Somers was diagnosed in 2000, after previously being diagnosed with skin cancer. Somers was known for her healthy, organic lifestyle, in which she disagreed with the use of chemotherapy, as seen in interviews with the star, including one on the “Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Somers had revealed that in July that her breast cancer had come back.

Somers is remembered by her strength and determination when undergoing her cancer diagnosis.

"Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy," Somers’ husband, Alan Hamel said to PEOPLE last month. "Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne's amazing determination and commitment."

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