A GoFundMe page launched to help James Van Der Beek’s family with “essential living expenses” following the actor’s death has surpassed $1 million, with Zoe Saldana making a generous monthly donation
A GoFundMe page launched to help James Van Der Beek ’s family with “essential living expenses” following the actor’s death has already hit a milestone mark.
The fund has surpassed $1 million, with actress Zoe Saldana making a generous monthly donation. The Dawson’s Creek star died on February 11, aged 48, after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Stars including Katie Holmes and Sarah Michelle-Gellar have paid tribute to the much-loved actor.
The description on the fundraising page reads: “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s 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.”
READ MORE: Katie Holmes breaks silence on James Van Der Beek’s death in emotional handwritten letterREAD MORE: James Van Der Beek’s final days revealed in heartbreaking hospice photos
Zoe Saldana was praised for making a monthly donation of $2500. One person commented: “Zoe Saldana donating $2500 to James Van Der Beek’s family, MONTHLY, in the wake of his loss is just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
James’ death comes just weeks after the star shared an empowering New Year ‘s Resolution message. He said at the time: “Why are we celebrating a New Year in the dead of winter? The time to celebrate a new beginning, and a new you, and a new resolution, is the spring.”
Sadly, on Wednesday, James’ family released a statement to say he had died following his two year cancer battle. And now, those close to him have shared how his final days in hospice saw him grow very weak. A source told Daily Mail that, despite his public optimism, James realised time was running out.
The insider said: “James was on hospice for several weeks and he was rail thin when he passed. He was mostly in bed because he was very weak, and he was not eating.”
They added it had become increasingly hard to watch the actor’s deterioration. “He was in hospice, they held his hand and were there for him, of course,” they said.
“But it has been hard because James was so ill, he was weak, He had so much charisma, he was a wonderful soul, and his presence is missed. Those poor little kids.”
James was a dad to six children – Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four – with his wife, Kimberly. The family had been living on a ranch near Austin, Texas, after deciding to quit Los Angeles in 2020.
Another source claimed the actor simply wanted “peace” in the last few weeks of his life. He had reportedly been told for a while that his cancer was aggressive and no more could be done.
Katie Holmes, who starred opposite James Van Der Beek in Dawson’s Creek, has paid tribute to her co-star after his death. Sharing a handwritten letter on Instagram, she wrote in the caption: “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. “Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
Katie wrote: “James, Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ hearts are safe in their expression… These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs—adventures of a unique youth…”
“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art—creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children—the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
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