My letter to Alex Trebek.......

Hi Alex! My name is Christina Parrish and I am an 11 year, Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer survivor. I'm am hoping this finds you having good day! Truly that's is what this journey through life is about. Enjoying the days and moments. Creating memories, laughing, crying..and just being foolish.

You got this, Alex!

I am writing to you to say, YOU CAN do this! I'm not saying it will be easy...but WILL be worth the struggles you might have. I was diagnosed, at 40. Given 6 months to live, with chemotherapy. Do not let anyone give you a time frame. That's up to you and the Big Guy upstairs. I'm sure the options and treatments are part of your life by now. Make sure to get more than one opinion. The more knowledgeable eyes you have on your case...the better. I went for 3 opinions before I found the right place for me. Cancer Treatment Centers of America was my choice because they actually had 2 or 3 long term Survivors. That was and still is AMAZING survivoral odds.

I am hopeful you are open to the holistic side of cancer. By that I mean supplements that help keep your body strong. Acupuncture, Reiki, mindfulness etc...These kept me going...and still do to this day. It all works together to help YOU heal.

Support...I am sure you have a huge support system. It is a hard journey for us..and our loved ones. Just have your people ..and let them help. It's hard to let people do that. But, just do it.

2 books I would highly recommend are "The Cancer Conqueror" and The Power of Now". These books saved me when I was first diagnosed. Then let you loved ones read them....it can be life changing.

I want to commend you for the courage it took for you to be so open about your diagnosis. You are a voice for so many and I appreciate that.

I am keeping you in my prayers, (they really work), sending love and healing energy to you.

I am going to leave you with 2 quotes...

"You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” Stuart Scott

"You become a SURVIVOR the moment you are diagnosed"

So many people and so much love are behind you. God Bless you and your family.

Christina

Founder The Purple Iris Foundation