“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek recorded a sad message for his millions of fans. In the video, Trebek appears upbeat, saying, “Hi everyone, I have some news to share with all of you. And it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our “Jeopardy” fan base. I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health.”

As expected, the 78-year-old Trebek used a statistic to announce that he, “like 50,000 other people in the United States each year” Trebek stunned everyone when he announced that he’s been diagnosed with “stage 4 pancreatic cancer.”

Boston Globe reports -Trebek said he recognizes the prognosis for advanced pancreatic cancer is not encouraging. But he said he intended to fight it and keep working.

He said he hopes to beat the disease’s low survival rate with the love and support of family and friends and with prayers of viewers.

Trebek lightened the message with humor: He said he must beat the odds because his “Jeopardy!” contract requires he host the quiz show for three more years.

Watch here:

As millions of Christians are set to begin the Lenten season, it would be a great time to include Alex Trebek in your regular Lenten prayers. Even for those who are not celebrating Lent, Alex Trebek could really use your prayers.