:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(980x671:982x673)/james-van-der-deek-family-thanksgiving-112825-1-e54f3b412fd144508cca348d764b62dc.jpg?ssl=1 "James Van Der Beek Spends Thanksgiving with Family amid Cancer Journey")
NEED TO KNOW
- James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, gave fans a look at the family’s Thanksgiving celebrations on her Instagram Stories
- The Dawson’s Creek alum, 48, was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and began publicly sharing his journey in November 2024
- The father of six is currently fundraising for his treatment and the support of families experiencing similar hardships through nostalgic merchandise sales
James Van Der Beek was all smiles on Thanksgiving.
The actor’s wife, Kimberly, shared a round-up of photos and videos from the family’s holiday celebration on her Instagram Stories, including a sweet shot of her posing with James, 48, and their 4-year-old son, Will.
Kimberly also shared videos of the dinner table set up she had worked on with her sister, and gave fans a peek at the family’s meal, as she revealed a “wildly gifted chef,” Dr. Michah Pittman, had cooked for them.
In addition, she posted a selfie with both of her sons, Will and Joshua, 13, writing over it, “Mama with her sons.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
While James, 48, didn’t share a post of his own this year, he uploaded a candid post on the holiday last year, as he had just revealed his cancer diagnosis weeks before.
“It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it,” he wrote on Nov. 28, 2024, alongside a family photo of what he called his “little blond army of hearts,” who he said “keep me present, active, and inspired just by being you.”
He said in the post that cancer has been a “giant life re-direct” for him and he also expressed his gratitude for “the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level, and in ways I never would have been able to ask for had I not been going through it.”
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James opened up about his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis last November after privately undergoing treatment following a 2023 diagnosis. He told PEOPLE at the time, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
Earlier this month, the actor began selling versions of his Varsity Blues jersey to raise money for his cancer treatment and to help other families experiencing similar hardship.
“For me, every jersey I sign is a magical full-circle moment,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “Thank you — for the love, the prayers, the support, and for making this jersey mean something far bigger than a movie. Endlessly grateful for all of you.”
Kimberly called her husband a “wizard” in the comments section of the post as she offered fans an exciting update and said James is “bouncing back.”
