The GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek’s family surpassed $1 million in donations following the actor’s death.
The page, created Wednesday by James’ friends, has raised over $1.32 million as of Thursday morning.
The fundraiser’s initial goal was $250,000, but it increased to $1.5 million on Wednesday.
Over 26,000 people have contributed to the GoFundMe, including actress Zoe Saldaña, whose donation was set at $2,5000 a month.
Other celebrity donors include Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst and Kaley Cuoco.
James died on Wednesday at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife of 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
The GoFundMe was created to cover James’ family’s essential living expenses, pay bills and support the children’s education.
“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,” the page reads.
The fundraiser adds that James’ loved ones are “out of funds” due to his expensive cancer treatment costs and “are facing an uncertain future” following his death.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the page states. “Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
Kimberly shared a link to the GoFundMe on her Instagram Stories, writing, “My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.”
James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, revealing that he received his diagnosis over a year earlier, in August 2023.
He auctioned off his personal “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia — including the outfit his character, Dawson, wore in the show’s pilot — and jerseys from his movie “Varsity Blues” late last year to fund his cancer treatments.
“I’ve 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’s clear that the time is now,” he told People in November 2025 about the decision.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kimberly shared that her husband “passed peacefully.”
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” she wrote on Instagram.
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come,” Kimberly added. “For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
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