{"id":22213,"date":"2026-02-12T11:16:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:16:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/?p=22213"},"modified":"2026-02-12T11:16:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T16:16:48","slug":"gofundme-for-james-van-der-beeks-family-tops-1-million-in-24-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/2026\/02\/gofundme-for-james-van-der-beeks-family-tops-1-million-in-24-hours.html","title":{"rendered":"GoFundMe For James Van Der Beek\u2019s Family Tops $1 Million in 24 Hours"},"content":{"rendered":"
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GoFundMe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after a long and public battle with colorectal cancer. The disease eventually made it impossible for the 48-year-old actor to continue working, and significant medical bills piled up for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. Shortly after the news of his death broke, friends launched a GoFundMe<\/a> to help support his family. In less than 24 hours, the fundraiser surpassed $1 million in donations.<\/p>\n

The outpouring of generosity was swift and overwhelming. The following morning, the GoFundMe had raised more than $1.3 million, with the goal increased to $1.5 million. More than 26,000 people contributed to the effort, including several well-known names in Hollywood.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children,\u201d the description reads. \u201cThroughout 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The page explains that \u201cthe costs of James\u2019s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.\u201d It adds that Kimberly and the children \u201care 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among those who donated was Zoe Salda\u00f1a, who committed $2,500 a month. Other celebrity supporters include Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst, Kaley Cuoco, Rumer Willis and Chad Michael Murray, many of whom also shared the fundraiser with their followers.<\/p>\n

Chad Michael Murray encouraged others to step in with compassion, writing, \u201cLet\u2019s be a blessing to his family. He was a blessing to us.\u201d Actress Patricia Arquette also urged fans to give, commenting, \u201cLook up Support for James Van Der Beek\u2019s family to support through this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kimberly shared the link herself in a brief but emotional message. \u201cMy friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,\u201d she wrote. \u201cWith gratitude and a broken heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

In her original statement announcing her husband\u2019s passing, she reflected on the way he faced the end of his life. \u201cHe met his final days with courage, faith and grace,\u201d she wrote. \u201cFor now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Van Der Beek first revealed his diagnosis publicly in November 2024, sharing that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. Though he continued working for a time, the toll of treatment eventually forced him to step back. Last year, he auctioned off personal \u201cDawson\u2019s Creek\u201d memorabilia and jerseys from \u201cVarsity Blues\u201d to help cover medical costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them,\u201d he told People in November 2025. \u201cWith all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it\u2019s clear that the time is now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fundraiser concludes with a reminder of how much even small acts of generosity can mean: \u201cEvery 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the midst of deep loss, the response from friends, fans and fellow actors has shown what it looks like when a community rallies around a grieving family \u2014 offering not only words of comfort, but real and practical support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after a long and public battle with colorectal cancer. The disease eventually made it impossible for the 48-year-old actor to continue working, and significant medical bills piled up for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. Shortly after the news of his death broke, friends launched a GoFundMe…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":462,"featured_media":22216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiring-messages"],"yoast_head":"\nGoFundMe For James Van Der Beek\u2019s Family Tops $1 Million in 24 Hours<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After James Van Der Beek\u2019s death, a GoFundMe for his wife and 6 children tops $1M as friends say cancer left them out of funds.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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