Actor James Van Der Beek, famed for his role in the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek, has taken the difficult decision to part with treasured pieces of his past. The 48-year-old is auctioning off personal memorabilia to help cover the costs of his ongoing treatment for stage three colorectal cancer.
A Personal Auction for Medical Costs
In a bid to manage the significant expenses associated with his healthcare, Van Der Beek has partnered with Propstore for a special sale. The Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will be held in London, with online bidding opening on December 6. Among the most poignant items is the outfit he wore in the very first episode of Dawson's Creek, which is anticipated to fetch up to £3,000. Perhaps the most coveted lot is the necklace his character, Dawson, gave to on-screen girlfriend Joey, played by Katie Holmes, for their prom. This iconic piece of television history could raise as much as £40,000.
The collection isn't limited to his time in Capeside. Fans of the 1999 film Varsity Blues can also bid on the shoes and the West Caanan Coyotes hat he wore in the hit sports comedy.
A Private Battle Made Public
James Van Der Beek first received his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023, but chose to deal with the news privately before sharing it with the public. The actor, who has six children with his wife, Kimberly, described the past year as "the hardest year of my life" in a candid Instagram post. He revealed the profound emotional and physical toll of his illness, stating he had to confront his own mortality and felt unable to fulfil his roles as a husband, father, and provider.
Despite the challenges, Van Der Beek has maintained a publicly optimistic outlook. In an interview on Good Morning America, he shared, "Physically, I'm great. I'm feeling really good. Emotionally, you know, it's a lot. It's really a ride... I was honestly in shock [after the diagnosis]." He expressed gratitude that the cancer was detected early, giving him a strong chance of recovery and stating he believes he will one day look back and be thankful for the life-changing perspective it forced upon him.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the UK. It develops in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. The NHS emphasises that when caught early, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Key symptoms to be aware of include:
- A persistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation.
- Blood in your stool, which may appear red or black.
- Unexplained weight loss, tummy pain, or bloating.
- A feeling of needing to strain even after going to the toilet.
Van Der Beek's decision to sell these personal items highlights the often-overlooked financial burden that a serious illness can place on individuals and families, even those with a successful career in the public eye.
