‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Reveals Cancer Diagnosis During Game
There are often personal moments that happen on Jeopardy! While most episodes are about contestants trying to win lots of money, there are other times when the players just fulfill a lifelong dream. Many people grow up with the game show, and being on it is a bucket list item. That might be the case for a recent contestant who said they have cancer.
Here is what you need to know about Chris Burge, a high school teacher from Farmers Branch, Texas.
Jeopardy! Contestant Talks Cancer Battle
Chris Burge competed on JeopardyI this week and was asked about his unique condition. Burge has stage four colon cancer and revealed this in the middle of the game. According to Burge, he wanted to share this information for a very important reason. He wants to encourage others to get regular health screenings.
Ken Jennings paused during the “fun facts” moment of the show and said, “I understand that you’re facing a health challenge right now that you wanted to talk about.”
Chris, who was allowed to sit on a chair behind his podium, explained his situation to the viewers at home. “I’ve been fighting stage four colon cancer since May,” Chris said (via The U.S. Sun). “Young adult diagnosis’ have increased a lot in recent years. I definitely encourage people not to ignore any symptoms. And definitely go get tested, especially if you have any family history of it.”
Ken said it was a “great word to get out there.”
Jeopardy! Fans Send Out Best Wishes To Chris After Announcement
It didn’t take Jeopardy! fans long to hit social media and Reddit to send out their best wishes to Chris for his continued battle.
Here is a look at some of the better messages to Chris:
- “All the best to Chris in his hopeful recovery.”
- “Here’s wishing Chris Burge a full and complete recovery. You performed well against two strong competitors, Chris!”
- “Sending you all the prayers and love Chris! You’ve got this!!!!”
This isn’t the first time that someone took to Jeopardy! during a cancer battle. The most famous case came with Cindy Stowell. At only 41 years old, she asked to compete in Jeopardy! even though she was dying of cancer.
The producers rushed her onto the show in 2016. Alex Trebek let the audience know about her condition, and she asked producers to give any money that she won to cancer research. Sadly, Cindy died the week before her show was aired.
Alex Trebek said at the time, “When Cindy Stowell taped her appearance on Jeopardy!, she had Stage 4 cancer. Competing on Jeopardy! was a lifelong dream for Cindy, and we’re glad she was able to do so. Sadly, Cindy died on December 5. Our condolences and best wishes to her family and friends.”
Did you see this episode? What were your thoughts on Chris’s appearance on Jeopardy!? Let us know in the comments below.
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