James Van Der Beek copes with his recent cancer diagnosis with the help of one special person: his father.
The Dawson’s Creek star thanked her father, James William Van Der Beek, for his support in an emotional message shared via Instagram on Saturday, January 25. , without expecting even a thank you… was not just life-saving, but life-affirming,” Van Der Beek wrote in honor of his father’s birthday.
James Van Der Beek pays tribute to loved ones amid his battle with stage III colorectal cancer. Reflecting on his “tough year” since receiving the diagnosis, the actor, 47, expressed his gratitude to his wife Kimberly, 42, their six children (Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabelle, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3) (…)
“I move to the ranch when I’m away for treatment. Making lunches, lighting fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chickens (none of which you ever wanted and very soon never would have 🤣),” he continued.
The actor went on to thank his father for being there for him “emotionally” as he “went through everything that cancer brings.”
“I know it’s out of your comfort zone, but especially since mom passed away, you’ve helped me over and over and over in ways I didn’t even know I needed,” he added. “Watching you grow, seeing the kind of man and father you are…gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express. I feel so proud and happy to come from you. Thank you for being the best. ever. Point. And I will keep my promise to never ask you to change Jeremiah’s diapers.
The actor announced he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. “I have been dealing with this diagnosis personally and taking steps to resolve it with the support of my amazing family,” he explained at the time. “There is reason for optimism and I feel good.”
The actor has been married to Kimberly Van Der Beek since 2010. The couple has six children together.
Their daughter Annabel celebrates her birthday with her grandfather. The actor also wrote the 11-year-old his own message via Instagram on Saturday.
“There are sweet souls…and here you are. The softest, most empathetic heart I know. It’s been a really tough year to be so sensitive and so connected to me, who was not okay at so many times — which I know you know without even having to be in the room,” he said.
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile) James Van Der Beek has broken his silence after announcing his colorectal cancer diagnosis. Van Der Beek, 47, shared a slideshow via Instagram on Saturday, Nov. 3, which included several photos of the Dawson’s Creek alum set to Richard La Forge’s song “Autumn Breeze.” Van Der (…)
Van Der Beek added: “From the moment you came out, you had the ability to bring joy and peace to those around you, just by existing. May you continue to believe this and always know that your father sees you, recognizes you and loves everything about you. And always will be.”
While talking to robin roberts on Good morning America in December 2024 Van Der Beek said she physically “feels really good” but the emotional impact of cancer treatment has been “a really nice ride”.
“I’ll look back (in) 30 years and say, ‘Thank God this happened,'” Van Der Beek added. “So what can I do right now to make this so? That was about 90% of the time. I’d say about 10% of the time I was a sobbing, terrified mess.
