James Van Der Beek’s Family Raises $1 Million on GoFundMe Within Hours of His Death
The community has rallied in a major way following the death of actor James Van Der Beek, as a GoFundMe fundraiser created for his wife and children quickly surpassed the $1 million mark. Van Der Beek died at 48 on Feb. 11 after battling colorectal cancer.
Soon after the news of his death became public, friends of the actor launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and the couple’s six children. By Feb. 12, the fundraiser had reached $1 million in donations. The original fundraising goal was set at $250,000, but as contributions poured in, organisers increased the target throughout Wednesday.
By the end of the day, the goal had reportedly risen to $1.3 million. The GoFundMe page explains that Van Der Beek’s family is facing serious financial uncertainty after years of medical expenses tied to his illness.
“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,” the message on the GoFundMe reads. “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.” The fundraiser also notes that the money will go toward immediate household needs and long-term support for the children.
The money raised “will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education,” the page continued. “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.”
Van Der Beek and his wife shared six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. The actor, best known for his starring role in Dawson’s Creek, had been open about the steps he took to help cover treatment costs in recent years.
Last year, he partnered with Propstore to sell memorabilia from the show, including props, wardrobe items, and set pieces connected to his time on the WB series. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and publicly revealed his diagnosis the following year.
“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 the People at the time. “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.”
Later, Van Der Beek also began selling Varsity Blues jerseys, saying the effort was not only to help cover his own medical costs but also to support other “families walking the same path.” Now that donations continue to grow, supporters hope the fundraiser will provide Kimberly and the children with financial stability as they face life without him.
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