In a heartening update for his fans, actor James Van Der Beek has appeared healthy and positive in a new social media video, with his wife, Kimberly, celebrating that he is 'bouncing back' amid his ongoing battle with cancer.
Fundraising Through Film Nostalgia
The Dawson's Creek star, who is 48 years old, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year. In a bid to cover the costs of his treatment and assist other patients, he is now selling merchandise from his classic 1999 film, Varsity Blues, for a second time.
The video, posted on Monday, showed the actor looking happy and well as he promoted a white replica jersey from the film, featuring his character's number 4 and the name 'Moxon'. In the caption, Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received after the first merchandise drop.
'By popular demand! My favourite jersey,' he wrote. 'Last year when I released the Blues jersey, I was blown away by the love and support I received from all of you. It has meant more than I can ever express.' He described signing each jersey as a 'magical full-circle moment' and confirmed that all proceeds will go directly towards his treatment and supporting other families on a similar path.
Auctioning Dawson's Creek Memorabilia
This is not the actor's only fundraising effort. It was recently revealed that Van Der Beek is also putting a number of his cherished Dawson's Creek keepsakes up for auction to help pay for his 'expensive' cancer treatments.
Among the items fans can bid on are:
- The outfit he wore in the pilot episode, estimated to fetch up to $4,000.
- The necklace his character, Dawson Leery, gifted to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) for prom, with an estimated value between $26,400 and $52,800.
He has partnered with Propstore for their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, scheduled for December 5–7, 2025. Van Der Beek admitted to feeling nostalgic about parting with the items but stated that the 'unexpected twists and turns' in his life made now the right time.
A Supportive Family and a Public Battle
The father-of-six has been open about his health journey since revealing his diagnosis in November 2024. His wife, Kimberly, is a constant source of support, commenting 'You're a wizard. Bouncing back baby!!' on his recent merchandise post.
The actor's health has been a concern for fans, particularly after he appeared frail during a virtual appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion, which he could not attend in person due to illness. His wife and their six children made a surprise appearance at the event in his stead.
Van Der Beek has remained optimistic, telling People last year, 'Miracles do happen, and they happen all the time. I've really been so blessed with my wife and kids. I've got a lot to live for, and it's a beautiful life.'
His story has shone a light on colorectal cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that 154,270 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025.
