James Van Der Beek is paying tribute to his loved ones amid his battle with Stage III colorectal cancer battle.
Reflecting on his “tough year” after receiving the diagnosis, the actor, 47, showed gratitude for his wife, Kimberly, 42, their six children (Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3) and his friends for supporting him.
“It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it,” Van Der Beek wrote via an Instagram post shared on Thursday, November 28. “For the giant life re-direct cancer has placed in my path. 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.”
A photo of Van Der Beek with his wife and kids accompanied the lengthy message of gratitude.
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His wife Kimberly received a shoutout for her unwavering support as she stood by his side.
“And I’m more grateful than ever to my super human wife who has shown up on levels I never knew possible. Who has shown me what unconditional love is and the magic that comes from that. I am in awe of you, @vanderkimberly,” he wrote.
Turning his attention to the couple’s children, Van Der Beek continued, “And of course, I’m beyond thankful [for] the little blond army of hearts who keep me present, active, and inspired just by being you. I love you guys beyond.”
Van Der Beek added that he also was looking at his body in a new light, writing, “I’m grateful for this new relationship I have to my body, and what I feed it.”
The Dawson’s Creek star shared details of his diagnosis, which he received in 2023 after undergoing a colonoscopy procedure, in an interview with People earlier this month.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told the outlet in a November profile. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
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The actor added that he had been approaching the health battle with an “optimistic” outlook and divulged that he had privately completed treatment.
“I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” he added. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know. I have a lot to live for.”
