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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGofundme raises 1.3 million for James Van Der Beek's wife and 6 kids after medical care left them broke

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family
James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.
In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of Jamess 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.
Lovie777
(22,351 posts)dalton99a
(92,954 posts)James Van Der Beek rings in five years in Texas post-California exodus
The couple purchased a 36-acre property nestled along the Pedernales River in Spicewood, located about 35 miles outside of Austin. With an estimated price tag of nearly $1.7 million, the 4,444-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a professional-grade kitchen, outdoor patios, a pool and a trail heading down the canyon to the river.
They're also officially neighbors with one of the state's most famous residents: Beloved country singer-songwriter Willie Nelson, whose Luck Ranch is just six miles down the road about a 10-minute drive away.
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Ilsa
(64,061 posts)acreage to raise funds in the future. I'm especially sorry the kids have lost their father.
harumph
(3,147 posts)Nobody should have to face that. OTOH, I would wager his family isn't destitute. They appear to have a sweet property in a desirable location
At any rate, I'd rather direct my $ to ICE victims and such. This isn't meant to down play his family's situation. Just a reality check. I'll acknowledge I may be wrong about this - they could be in dire straits. Last year we found out verifiably-not-poor-at-all people were going to our local food pantry (for the deals).
brer cat
(27,456 posts)The stress the family was under coping with a severe illness while facing financial ruin must have been horrendous.
When I became eligible for Medicare, I decided to go with Plan F supplement which covers 100% of everything Medicare approves but doesn't fully pay. No deductible, no copay. It takes a chunk of my retirement income, but I have had several surgeries plus I need expensive injections for macular degeneration. The peace of mind that I have is worth every penny. Maybe some day the Democrats can make something similar available for everyone.
Sympthsical
(10,907 posts)I feel for his family. I do. I work in healthcare and understand that financial . . . challenges of the American system. We dealt with it when my parents died. And the spread of colon cancer in young and younger people is extremely tragic and deserves all the attention it gets.
However.
There's something distasteful when celebrities go bouncing onto GoFundMe to ask fans to donate when their very rich, if not actually wealthy, and influential friends are standing right there. They're posting all over Instagram. We can see them.
Mix in aspects like the death of a beloved figure, and it smacks of emotional manipulation to extract cash from people who are probably even less well-situated than his widow and children.
Literally anyone else needs that money more and has far, far, far less means and connections to manage it. Do a donation to a cancer research organization in his name. God knows, under the current administration, they probably need it.
