Following the death of James Van Der Beek on February 11th, members of his inner circle are raising money for his family. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared a link to his GoFundMe account on Instagram shortly after announcing his death.
“My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,” she wrote along with the link. “With gratitude and heart-breaking feelings.”
A GoFundMe page honors the actor, who battled colorectal cancer, as a “beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of those around him.”
It added: “Throughout his illness, the family did everything possible to support and care for James, and as well as facing mental health challenges, they also faced significant financial strain.
In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and her children face an uncertain future. The family is short on funds due to James’ treatment costs and long-term battle with cancer. They are working hard to stay home, allow their children to continue their education, and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family and the wider community will make a huge difference as they navigate their way forward. ”
The caption concludes: “Your generosity helps cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support children’s education. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
The account goal is set at $350,000. As of this article’s publication, that amount has reached $158,000.
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek began auctioning off his “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia and “Varsity Blue” jerseys to help pay for his medical expenses and to help other families facing similar hardships. Additionally, the cast of “The Dawsons” reunited in September to raise money for the family.
