On Nov. 3, actor James Van Der Beek shared an exclusive statement with People, revealing he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The “Dawson’s Creek” star says he’s “been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he continued. Several hours later, Van Der Beek took to Instagram to share a lengthier statement, apologizing to his family.
“‘It is cancer.’ Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” he began his statement. “There’s no playbook for how announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,” Van Der Beek continued.
“But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.” As the actor reiterated, he has “been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
That’s when Van Der Beek apologized to the “people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself.”
“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.” “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support,” Van Der Beek concluded his statement.
“More to come…” Van Der Beer is married to wife, former producer Kimberly Van Der Beek. They have six young children together Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua and Jeremiah. His wife commented on his statement, writing, “I love you baby.” As others shared their own cancer journey in the comments.
“As a recent cancer survivor, I’m so sorry to hear you weren’t given the opportunity to tell your story on your own terms. Celebrity or not, everyone deserves the right to share their cancer diagnosis on their own terms,” one comment read. “Shame on the tabloids. Sending you love, strength and healing energy as you embark on your cancer journey. You got this!”
In addition to opening up publicly about his cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek is expected to join a long list of other famous men to help raise awareness for various cancers, including prostate, testicular and colorectal.
The two-hour special, titled “The Real Full Monty” will be produced by actor Anthony Anderson and is inspired by “the Oscar-nominated 1997 film ‘The Full Monty,’” People reported.
The group of men are expected to “strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.”
