James Van Der Beek’s friends set up $500K GoFundMe after actor’s cancer battle left family in ‘significant financial strain’
Despite James Van Der Beek’s reported net worth of $3 million, his friends set up a GoFundMe following his heartbreaking death, noting the costs of his medical care “left [his] family out of funds.”
The beloved “Dawson’s Creek” alum died Wednesday after battling colorectal cancer since August 2023. The GoFundMe created on Wednesday notes that his wife, Kimberly, and the six children she shared with him — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3 — are now “facing an uncertain future.”
“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the GoFundMe’s page reads.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
The GoFundMe shares that donations will help cover the family’s essential living expenses, pay bills and support the children’s education.
Just one hour into the creation of the GoFundMe, over $42,000 had been raised.
While she’s listed as GoFundMe’s organizer, she explained, “My friends created this link to support our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.”
In a separate Instagram post, Kimberly shared that her husband passed away on Wednesday morning.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she shared. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek auctioned off his personal “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia — including the outfit his character, Dawson, wore in the show’s pilot and the necklace he gave Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes) during the prom episode — back in December to fund his cancer treatments.
All proceeds from the auction helped the actor and his family with the financial burden of fighting cancer.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” he told People in November 2025 about the decision.
“While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore’s auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.”
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