James Van Der Beek recently revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis, but it came with a heartfelt apology to loved ones who learned of his health battle through the media.
Forced to Announce Early
James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his role on Dawson’s Creek, took to Instagram on November 3 to share his difficult journey with colorectal cancer. The actor expressed disappointment in having to fast-track his public announcement after learning that the news would soon be leaked. “Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself,” he wrote, admitting that he hadn’t yet informed some loved ones. He continued, “Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.”
A Plan to Raise Awareness
Initially, James intended to share his diagnosis on his own terms, hoping to discuss it at length in a planned feature with People magazine. He explained, “There’s no playbook for how [to] announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms.” However, that plan changed abruptly when he was informed that a tabloid intended to release the news first.
Navigating Cancer Privately
James revealed that, until the announcement, he had been managing the diagnosis privately with close family, including his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3. The actor shared that he has been “getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before.” He assured fans that he is “in a good place and feeling strong,” expressing hope and determination as he faces this new challenge.
Gratitude for Support
Despite the difficult timing of his announcement, James expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support he received from fans and friends alike. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support,” he wrote, hinting at more updates to come. James also shared his optimism, noting that there’s “reason for optimism” and that he is “feeling good.”
Cherishing Family Moments During Halloween
Even amidst this health challenge, James has continued to find joy in family moments. He recently shared a touching Halloween story featuring his daughter, Gwendolyn. When her angel costume didn’t arrive in time, James encouraged her to create her own halo, which she crafted by wrapping yellow yarn around garden wire. James described her focus and dedication, saying, “The look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me… my favorite moment of Halloween.”
In these candid updates, James Van Der Beek not only opened up about his cancer journey but also emphasized the importance of family and gratitude during life’s challenges. Through his story, he is offering inspiration and hope while raising awareness of the importance of health and resilience.