In the days following James Van Der Beek’s death, those closest to him moved quickly to help the family he leaves behind.
According to Page Six, friends of the “Dawson’s Creek” star created a GoFundMe campaign after revealing that the lengthy fight against colorectal cancer drained the family’s finances, despite reports that the actor had an estimated net worth of $3 million.
Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after battling cancer since August 2023. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.
The fundraiser page explains that the financial toll of treatment created mounting strain behind the scenes.
“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.”
Donations, organizers said, will go toward essential living expenses, household bills, and the children’s education. Within an hour of launching, the campaign had already raised more than $42,000. By early Thursday morning, the total was over $1.3 million.
Although Kimberly is listed as the organizer, she clarified that friends initiated the effort.
“My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart,” she shared on Instagram Stories.
In a separate post, she reflected on her husband’s final days.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote. “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.”
Last December, Van Der Beek auctioned personal memorabilia from “Dawson’s Creek” — including wardrobe pieces from the pilot and a necklace featured in the prom episode — to help offset treatment costs.
“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.
“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.”
