James Van Der Beek is giving up some of his Dawson's Creek memorabilia during his battle with cancer.
The 48-year-old actor, who is battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, is selling several items from the TV teen drama Dawson's Creek and the film Varsity Blues in partnership with auction site Prop Store, where interested buyers can place bids.
“I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and given life's recent unexpected twists and turns, it's clear that now is the time,” Van Der Beek told Prop Store in a statement.
“And while I feel nostalgic when I let go of these items, I am happy to offer them through the Prop Store auction and share them with those who have supported my work over the years.”
Van der Beek, who played Dawson Leery on the hit show, is auctioning off items including wardrobe, props and set pieces, including Dawson Leery's flannel, the necklace she wore on the series before giving it to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), and Van Der Beek's chair that was returned from the set of the series.
(LR:) Dawson Lillie's (James Van Der Beek) flannel from the series “Dawson's Creek” and Lillie's necklace to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes).
propstoreauction.com
These items will be sold through Prop Store's annual Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from December 5th to December 7th.
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All proceeds from the products sold will be donated to Van Der Beek to help with “the financial costs of fighting cancer,” People magazine reports.
Van der Beek first revealed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in an interview with People last November.
“I have colorectal cancer. I deal with this diagnosis personally and, with the support of my amazing family, I am working towards a solution,” the star told the magazine. “There is reason for optimism and I feel good.”
The actor did not provide details about his diagnosis, but said in an Instagram post, “I'm in good hands and feeling strong.”
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“I have been personally dealing with this issue and working harder than ever to seek treatment and improve my overall health,” he continued on Instagram. “This is quite an introduction, but I'll tell you more when you're ready.”
In the post, he said he made the decision to publish ahead of schedule, explaining that he wanted to talk “at length” with People about the story, but that another publisher was ready to publish the article.
“Early this morning, I was informed that the news would be published in the tabloids and my plans had to change,” Van der Beek wrote.
Even though overall cases and deaths have declined in recent years, the number of young people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is increasing in Canada and the United States.
One in five cases diagnosed in 2019 were in people under 55, nearly double the 11% in 1995, according to a 2023 study from the American Cancer Society.
The situation is similar in Canada, where colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, which is part of the large intestine, and can also spread to other parts of the body.
An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption increase the risk of this type of cancer, but family history is also a factor.
— With files from Global News
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