James Van Der Beek's friends rally to fundraise for his cancer expenses
James Van Der Beek's friends rally to fundraise for his cancer expenses
KiMi Robinson, USA TODAYThu, February 12, 2026 at 2:28 AM UTC
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After news of James Van Der Beek's death became public, his friends have rallied to support his grieving family, who weathered the actor's 2½-year cancer battle alongside him.
"My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time," the late actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote in a Feb. 11 Instagram story shortly after announcing her 48-year-old husband's death on social media. She added, "With gratitude and a broken heart."
The GoFundMe, organized by a friend named Jason and verified by USA TODAY, raised more than $700,000 from at least 12,000 donations within six hours, with the goalpost shifting throughout the day to reflect a higher target amount for fundraising. It showed a goal of $1 million by 8 p.m. ET.
"After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children," the description reads. "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."
1 / 0Remembering James Van Der Beek and the family he leaves behind
James Der Beek, seen here smooching wife Kimberly at Logo's 2011 NewNowNext Awards in Hollywood, was a doting dad of six. Look back at the late star's many red-carpet appearances with his family.
The fundraiser also noted that "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." Donations will "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education."
James Van Der Beek's friends in Hollywood and beyond have shared the GoFundMe, encouraging their followers to lend a hand to his family.
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"Love you. James was one of a kind. The best. People can support on go fund me," actress Patricia Arquette commented under the Instagram post that announced Van Der Beek's death. "Look up Support for James Van Der Beek’s family to support through this time."
Hollywood mourns James Van Der Beek: Busy Philipps says she is 'deeply hurting'
"Let's be a blessing to his family. He was a blessing to us," Chad Michael Murray wrote in an Instagram story alongside a link to the fundraiser. Rumer Willis did the same, with her call to action reading, "If you can donate please send whatever you can to help my friends."
In her emotional Instagram post tribute to her "Dawson's Creek" costar, Busy Philipps shouted out the GoFundMe, which she linked in her Instagram story.
1 / 0James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
The "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" actor revealed in an interview with People magazine, published in November 2024, that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. But he pushed through and continued working in Hollywood, with his most recent credits being the "Sidelined" movies on Tubi, the Prime Video comedy "Overcompensating" and The CW's "Walker."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Van Der Beek's friends fundraise for his cancer expenses
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