After news ofJames Van Der Beek's deathbecame public, his friends have rallied to supporthis grieving family, who weathered the actor's 2½-yearcancer battlealongside him.
"My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time," the late actor's wife,Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote in a Feb. 11 Instagram story shortly afterannouncing her 48-year-old husband's deathon social media. She added, "With gratitude and a broken heart."
TheGoFundMe, organized by a friend named Jason and verified by USA TODAY, raised more than $800,000 from at least 12,000 donations within six hours, with the goalpost shifting throughout the day to reflect a higher target amount for fundraising. It showed a goal of $1 million by 8 p.m. ET.
"After 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," the description reads. "Throughout 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."
James Der Beek, seen here smooching wife Kimberly at Logo's 2011 NewNowNext Awards in Hollywood, was a doting dad of six. Look back at the late star's many red-carpet appearances with his family." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek at the premiere of "The Grey" in LA on Jan. 11, 2012." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple at Fox's post-Emmys party on Sept. 23, 2012, in LA." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The Van Der Beeks at the "Labor Day" premiere during Toronto Film Festival on Sept. 7, 2013." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple arrives with son Joshua and daughter Olivia at the 11th John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit on April 13, 2014, in LA." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The actor shares popcorn and cotton candy with Olivia at the same event." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The family hangs with superheroes on the red carpet at Marvel Universe LIVE! on May 2, 2015, in Inglewood, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Joshua smile for a selfie at the Julius Jr. toy launch on June 24, 2014, in West Hollywood, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple in costume with their kids at the GOOD+ Foundation Halloween bash hosted by Jessica Seinfeld on Oct. 30, 2016, in Hollywood." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The Van Der Beeks with daughters Olivia (standing) and Emilia at Safe Kids Day on April 23, 2017, in Culver City, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The actor and Emilia have a father-daughter treat from In-N-Out Burger at the event." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and daughter Annabel Leah at the same function." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple turned out for iHeartRadio Music Festival on Sept. 22, 2017, in Las Vegas." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The family of six (at the time) at Santa's Secret Workshop on Dec. 2, 2017, in West Hollywood." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kimberly and James Van Der Beek at the "Pose" New York premiere on May 17, 2018." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dad and kids Olivia, Annabel and Joshua Van Der Beek at Monster Jam on Aug. 18, 2018, in LA." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple at the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The Van Der Beeks at the Fox/Hulu Golden Globe Awards viewing party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 6, 2019, in Beverly Hills." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kimberly and James Van Der Beek attend a screening of "Skin" on July 11, 2019, in Hollywood." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek snaps a selfie with two of his kids at Operation Smile's 11th Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple attend HFC's Brain Health dinner on Sept. 30, 2023, in Austin, Texas." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Remembering James Van Der Beek and the family he leaves behind
James Der Beek, seen here smooching wife Kimberly at Logo's 2011 NewNowNext Awards in Hollywood, was a doting dad of six. Look back at the late star's many red-carpet appearances with his family.
The fundraiser also noted that "the costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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." Donations will "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education."
James Van Der Beek's friends in Hollywood and beyond have shared the GoFundMe, encouraging their followers to lend a hand to his family.
"Love you. James was one of a kind. The best. People can support on go fund me," actress Patricia Arquette commented under the Instagram post that announced Van Der Beek's death. "Look up Support for James Van Der Beek's family to support through this time."
Hollywood mourns James Van Der Beek:Busy Philipps says she is 'deeply hurting'
"Let's be a blessing to his family. He was a blessing to us," Chad Michael Murray wrote in an Instagram story alongside a link to the fundraiser. Rumer Willis did the same, with her call to action reading, "If you can donate please send whatever you can to help my friends."
In her emotionalInstagram post tribute to her "Dawson's Creek" costar, Busy Philipps shouted out the GoFundMe, which she linked in her Instagram story.
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey)." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek." " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek,who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s.Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
The "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" actor revealed in an interview withPeople magazine, published in November 2024, that he had beendiagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancerin August 2023. But he pushed through and continued working in Hollywood, with his most recent credits being the "Sidelined" movies on Tubi, the Prime Video comedy"Overcompensating"and The CW's "Walker."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:James Van Der Beek's friends fundraise for his cancer expenses
