S5 Ep1: ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Christine Whelchel Recalls Why She Removed Her Wig on National TV

Cancer Horizons

Christine Whelchel wasn’t going to let breast cancer slow her down. The Tennessee native and piano teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021 and less than a year later, she was a “Jeopardy!” champion.

Whelchel made headlines in March when she appeared in the Feb. 28, 2022, episode of “Jeopardy!” without her wig to normalize what cancer recovery looks like. This decision was applauded by “Jeopardy!” fans and cancer survivors around the world.

On her decision, Whelchel said, “My hair had just gotten to that point where I was more comfortable. I was getting less self-conscious about it, but then the idea of being on national TV with (my short hair) was a big step. I'm thinking, do I really want to do this? ... I decided this is something I need to do. This is something that people need to see, that this is what we (cancer survivors) go through.”

Whelchel won four consecutive games and racked up $73,602 in winnings.

On today’s episode of Cancer Horizons, Whelchel discusses her cancer and “Jeopardy!” journeys, as well as what it was like to audition for “Jeopardy!” the day before her double mastectomy and much more.

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