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The GoFundMe set up for actor James Van Der Beek\u2019s family hit its $1.5 million goal Thursday afternoon after Van Der Beek\u2019s family announced they were \u201cout of funds,\u201d less than 24 hours after it was posted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The online fundraiser<\/a> was set up after Van Der Beek\u2019s death was announced Wednesday. The \u201cDawson\u2019s Creek\u201d star lived with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer for more than a year. He was 48 years old. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Kimberly Van Der Beek, James\u2019 wife, posted a link to the GoFundMe on her Instagram stories, writing that her friends created it for her \u201cwith gratitude and a broken heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The GoFundMe\u2019s description said that through James Van Der Beek\u2019s diagnosis, his family faced \u201cemotional challenges\u201d as well as a \u201csignificant financial strain.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIn the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,\u201d the fundraiser\u2019s description reads. \u201cThe costs of James\u2019s 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. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Before Van Der Beek\u2019s death, the actor sold some memorabilia<\/a> from \u201cDawson\u2019s Creek\u201d to help pay for his medical expenses. One of the pieces he sold was the necklace his character, Dawson, gifted Katie Holmes\u2019 character for prom. The winning bid was for more than $34,000<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it\u2019s clear that the time is now,\u201d Van Der Beek told People before the auction in late 2025<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The GoFundMe said the funds raised will help pay for living expenses, bills and their six children\u2019s education. GoFundMe confirmed the fundraiser\u2019s legitimacy to celebrity.land, saying they were working with the organizer \u201cto ensure funds safely reach the intended beneficiary.\u201d In the meantime, funds are \u201cbeing held safely by our payment processor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n More than 30,000 donations were made in less than 24 hours, totaling more than $1.5 million, which was the fundraiser\u2019s goal. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n