James Van Der Beek has spoken of the “life-affirming” support he received from his father months after his diagnosis Stage 3 cancer.
The “Dawson's Creek” actor celebrated his father's birthday on Saturday, sharing a heartfelt post on social media dedicated to the man who showed up to help his family in their great time of need.
Van Der Beek (47 years old) revealed his condition Colorectal cancer He was diagnosed in November, and has since been recovering with the help of his friends and family.
James Van Der Beek 'Neglecting to Inform My Mind' about nudity
James Van Der Beek praised his father for his unwavering support amid his cancer battle. (© 2024 Fox Media LLC. CR: Drew Herrmann/FOX)
“The way you showed up when I was down this year — without us having to ask, without even expecting a thank you… was not only life-saving, it was life-affirming,” he wrote on Instagram. With a group of photos with his father, James William Van Der Beek.
“Moving to the farm when I'm away for treatment. Making lunches, building fires for @vanderkimberly, driving the kids, and even taking care of the dogs and chickens (neither of which she ever wanted, and would never have).”
James Van Der Beek says moving from Los Angeles to Austin was “grounding” for his family
App users Click here to view post
He added, “But it's more than that. I'm blown away by how emotionally you've been there for me while I've been through everything cancer brings… I know it's outside your comfort zone, but especially since my mom died.” You have helped me time and time again in ways I didn't even know how much I needed it.
“Watching you develop, seeing what kind of man and father you are…gives me more confidence in myself than I can express. I feel honored and lucky to have come from you. Thank you for being the best ever. Period. And I will keep my promise that we will never ask you to change.” Jeremiah's diapers.”
Do you like what you are reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Van Der Beek admitted in November that he was “privately coping with this diagnosis and (taking) steps to resolve it, with the support of my amazing family,” in a statement shared with People magazine.
James Van Der Beek celebrated his father's birthday with a touching social media post. (Mark von Holden)
“There is reason for optimism, and I feel good,” he said.
He had no family history of cancer, and was surprised by the diagnosis because of his healthy habits.
Click here to subscribe to the entertainment newsletter
“I had always associated cancer with age and unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthily — or to the best of my knowledge at the time,” Van Der Beek said.
He originally blamed his diet for his cancer symptoms after noticing changes in his bowel movements last year.
James and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, have six children together. (Michael Kovach)
“I thought maybe I needed to stop drinking coffee,” he said. “Or maybe I don't put cream in the coffee. But when I remove it and it doesn't get better, I think, 'Well, I'd better check this out.'”
He scheduled a colonoscopy, and after the procedure it was done Actor I learned from his diagnosis.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I felt really good coming out of the anesthesia, that I had finally done it,” he continued. “Then the gastroenterologist said — in his nice bedside way — it was cancer. I think I was in shock.”
According to the center, “several treatments can help control” colorectal cancer, including “surgery, radiation therapy, and medications, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.” Mayo Clinic.
