James Van Der Beek is auctioning off his personal “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia to help fund cancer treatment.
Van der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, reflected on his decision to partner with Prop Store for a live auction in an interview with People on Tuesday.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and given life’s recent unexpected twists and turns, it’s clear that now is the time,” he told the outlet.
All proceeds from the auction, which will be held from December 5th to 7th, will be donated to help the actor and his family with the financial burden of their fight against cancer.
“I feel nostalgic when I part with these items, but it feels good to be able to offer them through the Prop Store auction and share them with the people who have supported my work over the years,” he said.
Items on the cutting board include a necklace Dawson gave Joey (Katie Holmes) for prom, which is estimated to be worth between $26,400 and $52,800.
The outfit Dawson wore in the pilot episode is also up for sale and is expected to fetch nearly $4,000.
Other wardrobe selections, props and set pieces will also be included in the auction.
In addition, Van Der Beek will be selling rare collectibles from the 1999 film “Varsity Blues,” including the spikes he wore on set and his West Kana Coyotes hat.
The TV star revealed in November last year that he was secretly battling a malignant tumor.
“I have colorectal cancer. I deal with this diagnosis personally and, with the support of my amazing family, I am working towards a solution,” he told People magazine at the time.
“There is reason for optimism and I feel good,” he added.
James and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, both 48, have six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabelle (11), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7) and Jeremiah (4).
In September, James had to withdraw from the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion due to illness.
On his 48th birthday in March, he admitted it had been the “most difficult year” of his life.
“I had to face death,” he said, recalling how he was no longer able to support his family because he had to quit his job.
But he remained optimistic and shared with his supporters that he deserves to be loved.
“I am worthy of God’s love just by existing. And if I am worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own love?” he thought.
