James Van Der Beek's $2 Million GoFundMe Support Has Been 'a Light' for His Family and Friends
- - James Van Der Beek's $2 Million GoFundMe Support Has Been 'a Light' for His Family and Friends
Julia MooreFebruary 13, 2026 at 10:57 PM
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James Van Der Beek died "peacefully" on Wednesday, Feb. 11, his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced
James, who was 48, had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Aug. 2023, and leaves behind six kids
Loved ones organized a GoFundMe to raise funds for his wife and kids. Within 48 hours, donations have surpassed $2 million
James Van Der Beek's loved ones are sharing their gratitude as fans and friends continue to offer support for his family.
The actor died at age 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11, three years after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced the news in an Instagram post and said he "passed away peacefully" and "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."
On Feb. 11, friends of the family organized a GoFundMe page to collect donations in James' honor and to "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education." He and Kimberly share six kids, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwen, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
Courtesy of Libby's Vegetables
"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future," the fundraiser's description read. "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."
Less than 48 hours later, the fundraiser has received over $2.2 million. On Thursday, Feb. 12, the organizers shared an update.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family. Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light," read the statement posted on the fundraising page. "It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together."
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of HBO's "Room 104" on July 27, 2017 in Hollywood, California.
Phillip Faraone/WireImage
"Right now, the family is taking time to mourn and be with one another. We kindly ask members of the media and the public to give them space and privacy as they walk through this painful season. Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal," the statement continued.
The organizers asked fans to "continue to keep James’s wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers" and thanked them for "honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love. "
Being a father was James' greatest achievement, and he often gushed about the family he and Kimberly, who he wed in 2010, had created.
"Your life becomes shared, and your joys become shared joys in a really beautiful way that expands your level of circuitry out to other people instead of just keeping it all for your own gratification," he said on Good Morning America in 2023. "And the lessons, they keep on coming. It's the craziest, craziest thing I've ever done, and it's the thing that's made me happiest."
James Van Der Beek with his family.
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
"God, it changes everything, really. You just go for that shift ... from putting yourself first to other people — these little tiny humans that you love so much — being your first priority. And then you know what you genuinely want is to take care of [them], to make them feel safe, [and] keep them safe to connect with them and feel that joy."
In his final interview with Today's Craig Melvin, he gushed about his family when discussing his absence at a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event due to illness in September. His wife and children attended the event in his place.
"As crushed as I was not being able to go to that Dawson’s Creek reunion, my family got to go. And I was Zooming in on that night and they got a standing ovation just for taking their seats," he told Melvin. "And all that love that would have otherwise been directed at me, was directed at my family. It was just one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever gotten to witness. I’m just so grateful to the fans for doing that."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
