Smyrna Mom, Exec, Cancer Survivor To Alex Trebek: You Got This!

SMYRNA, GA — A Smyrna wife, mother and executive, Elise Roth Tedeschi was 43 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the same illness now afflicting popular game-show host Alex Trebek. But after a long and taxing battle, and with her family and friends by her side, Tedeschi beat the disease, and she has penned a letter of support to Trebek that has since gone viral.

In her letter, Tedeschi describes the long battle against the disease, which has now been in remission for more than six years. Today, Tedeschi is involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, supporting other patients through a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and is working on a book related to her own journey.

Though the disease has a high mortality rate, Trebek told fans he plans to beat it. He also has no plans to quit the show as he battles for his life. In an intimate and playful announcement to his fans, Trebek revealed the diagnosis, encouraging his supporters to keep hope.

The 78-year-old game-show host has been a household name for decades. He’s been hosting “Jeopardy” since 1984, but took a leave of absence last year to undergo surgery for a blood clot in his brain. However, he came back from the scare, and renewed his contract to continue with the show through 2022.

Read more: Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek Has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

Trebek renewed his contract last year after briefly mulling plans to retire. While Trebek isn’t ready to leave Jeopardy, he can envision the show without him one day. Last year, he named two people he could envision at the helm of the long running quiz show: The LA Kings young play-by-play announcer Alex Faust, 28, and CNN legal analyst Laura Coates.

To: Here is an excerpt of Tedeschi’s letter to Trebek, which was originally published on The Daily Meal and can be found in its entirety, here:

“On January 5, 2012, I received the most devastating news: I had cancer. I had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I had stage 4 inoperable pancreatic cancer — a surefire death sentence. I was reluctantly told that I had about nine months to live …

“Like you, Mr. Trebek, I had an outpouring of love and support (on a much, much, much smaller scale). I was astounded by the kindness and sheer beauty from friends and even complete strangers.

“Guess what?! I beat the crap out of stage 4 pancreatic cancer and have been in in full remission for six and a half years.

“So Alex Trebek, go kick cancer’s butt — it has no chance against you! You got this!”

Patch Staff Writer Paige Austin contributed to this report.

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