James Van Der Beek Auctions Dawson’s Creek Memorabilia to Fund Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek’s Personal Battle Meets Public Generosity

James Van Der Beek, the actor whose portrayal of Dawson Leery made him a household name for a generation of television fans, is facing a challenge that’s far more personal and daunting than any script. Diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in August 2023, Van Der Beek’s battle has unfolded not only in private moments with his family but also in the public eye, where his resilience and transparency have inspired many.

Now, in a move that blends nostalgia with necessity, Van Der Beek is auctioning off memorabilia from his iconic role in Dawson’s Creek. The decision, announced in November 2025, comes as the 48-year-old actor continues his treatment and seeks to cover mounting medical expenses. “I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them,” he shared in a statement. “With all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented, it’s clear that the time is now.”

Auctioning Memories for a Cause

The auction, organized in partnership with Propstore, is scheduled for December 5–7. Fans and collectors will have the chance to bid on items that once decorated the set of Dawson’s bedroom—a space that became a cultural touchstone for viewers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Among the lots: a stuffed E.T. toy and an Indiana Jones figurine, both nods to Dawson’s on-screen Spielberg fandom. Clothing items, such as a white Arcadia sweater and Dawson’s pilot episode outfit, are also up for sale. But the centerpiece of the collection is a necklace with a black stone pendant, famously gifted by Dawson to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) during the show’s run. This particular piece is expected to fetch between $26,200 and $52,400, according to People.

The memorabilia isn’t limited to the Creek. Van Der Beek has also included a West Canaan Coyotes hat and a pair of black and white Reebok cleats from his role in the 1999 film Varsity Blues. For fans, these items represent more than props; they’re fragments of stories that shaped their own adolescence and cultural memories.

Importantly, all proceeds from the auction will go directly to Van Der Beek to support his cancer treatment. The gesture is not only a practical step but a symbolic one—transforming objects of sentimental value into lifelines for a very real struggle.

Family, Honesty, and the Cost of Cancer

Van Der Beek’s openness about his diagnosis and ongoing treatment has resonated deeply with fans and fellow cancer survivors. In interviews, he’s described living with cancer as a “full-time job,” a reality that’s shaped not only his own life but the lives of his family. He and his wife, Kimberly, are parents to six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (11), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4).

The couple has chosen honesty as their guiding principle, keeping their children informed about Van Der Beek’s health. “They know. They can sense that Dad’s having a tough day. They know if Dad’s in pain,” he said in a July interview with Today.com. “By not telling them, I think you’re confusing them even more.” The family’s approach, grounded in transparency and support, has been a source of strength amid uncertainty.

Despite the difficulties, Van Der Beek has continued to participate in family milestones and public events. In October, he celebrated Halloween and his youngest son’s birthday with his family. And in September, although a stomach illness prevented him from attending the Dawson’s Creek reunion at New York’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in person, he sent a heartfelt video message to cast and fans. His absence was felt, but his presence—via the screen and through his family—underscored the bonds that endure beyond physical challenges.

A Community Rallies

The reunion event itself doubled as a fundraiser for F Cancer, an organization dedicated to cancer awareness and support. While Van Der Beek could not attend, his wife and children joined the cast onstage to sing the show’s theme song, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait.” The moment was described as “so special to the whole family,” with Kimberly noting how the love for her husband filled the theater.

Support has poured in from fans, colleagues, and the broader entertainment community. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in for Van Der Beek during the reunion’s live table read, further highlighting how the actor’s journey has become a rallying point for compassion and solidarity.

The Broader Picture: Celebrities and Cancer Awareness

Van Der Beek’s story joins a chorus of other public figures who have faced cancer and shared their experiences. From Colin Egglesfield’s repeated battles and ultimate recovery, to Gordon Ramsay’s candidness about skin cancer, and the survival stories of stars like Marcia Cross, Michael Douglas, and Kylie Minogue, each narrative chips away at stigma and promotes early detection and support. As Reuters and People have reported, these stories serve to remind audiences that illness does not discriminate—and that hope and action are possible, even in the face of daunting odds.

The auction of Dawson’s Creek memorabilia is more than a financial lifeline—it’s a way for Van Der Beek to connect his personal journey with the collective memory of his fans. In turning cherished props into resources for his treatment, he invites supporters to be part of his fight, not just as spectators but as participants in a story that’s still unfolding.

James Van Der Beek’s decision to part with pieces of his professional legacy speaks to both the harsh realities of living with cancer and the enduring power of community. By transforming nostalgia into tangible support, he offers a model of vulnerability and strength—one that bridges the distance between celebrity and everyday struggle, and reminds us that even the most treasured stories can become anchors in times of need.