James Van Der Beek’s Friends Set Up GoFundMe for Actor’s Family After Cancer Battle Left Them “Out of Funds”

James Van Der Beek’s family is seeking support for their “uncertain future” after the actor’s death.

After announcing that Van Der Beek died on Wednesday at the age of 48 amid his battle with cancer, the actor’s inner circle had a GoFundMe page set up for the actor’s wife and children asking for financial aid after medical costs left them “out of funds.” Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly share six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 6; and Jeremiah, 4.

“My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,” Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote on her social media with the link. “With gratitude and a broken heart.”

“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on Feb. 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. 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,” it is stated on the GoFundMe page.

It continued, “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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”

At the publication time of this story, $346,943 has been raised of a goal of $550,000.

Van Der Beek publicly announced in November 2024 that he had “been privately dealing with” his Stage 3 colorectal cancer since August 2023.

On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly announced his death, writing in a statement, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.”

Just last year, the actor shared prized memorabilia with fans as a means of earning funds to support his cancer recovery. Propstore’s Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction featured selected items from Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, both of which Van Der Beek starred in. The assortment from Van Der Beek’s personal collection of props and costumes earned over $47,000, with all proceeds used to help finance the actor’s cancer battle.

The highest-valued item, with an auction price of $26,628, was a necklace that Van Der Beek’s character Dawson Leery gifted to Joey Porter (as played by Holmes) on the teen drama series Dawson’s Creek. Additionally, Dawson’s white jumper costume went for $2,663, while a flannel shirt that the character wore throughout the series sold for $2,396.

Last year, Van Der Beek was unable to join a Dawson’s Creek reunion event that benefited the organization F Cancer, due to “two stomach viruses” at the time. The event featured original stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Phillips. Lin-Manuel Miranda replaced him for the one-night-only live reading of the pilot script. 

After news of his passing, Hollywood stars took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chad Michael Murray and Jennifer Garner.