James Van Der Beek’s Family Earns Over $1 Million on GoFundMe After They Ran ‘Out of Funds’
After news of James Van Der Beek’s death broke, friends launched a GoFundMe to support his family. Van Der Beek died of colorectal cancer after receiving a diagnosis in August 2023. Amid the outpouring of tributes for the Dawson’s Creek actor, people have also raised well over $1 million to support his family.
James Van Der Beek’s family launched a GoFundMe
After Van Der Beek’s death, friends of the family launched a GoFundMe page. They noted that the family is facing “significant financial strain” due to the cost of Van Der Beek’s treatment.
“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 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.”
While the initial goal was to raise $550,000, donations quickly outpaced this amount. At the time of publication, the GoFundMe has raised $1,480,489 for the family.
“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.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, shared the page on her social media.
“My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,” she wrote. “With gratitude and a broken heart.”
A number of celebrities have donated to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe
Several notable names appear to have donated money to the family. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Zoe Saldaña (under her married name of Zoe Saldaña-Perego) has donated $2,500 a month. Dancing With The Stars’ Derek Hough donated $1,000. Norman Lear’s widow, Lyn Lear, and YouTuber Codie Sanchez each donated $5,000 on a monthly basis.
Close to 30,000 people have donated to the Van Der Beek family in less than 24 hours.
The actor said he changed his perspective on life in the period before his death
On Van Der Beek’s 48th birthday in March 2025, he said his perspective on life changed due to his cancer diagnosis.
“This year, I had to look my own mortality in the eye,” he said in an Instagram video (via E! News). “I had to come nose to nose with death.”
He said he began to worry about his role as a husband and father as he underwent treatment.
“I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband that was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them,” he said. “And so, I was faced with the question: ‘If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?”’
“I meditated and the answer came through: ‘I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.'”
