James Van Der Beek auctions off ‘Dawson’s Creek’ memories to pay for cancer treatment

James Van Der Beek is auctioning his ‘Dawson’s Creek’ memorabilia to fund medical treatment amid cancer fight

James Van Der Beek is parting with some of his most cherished Hollywood keepsakes as he battles stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit 1990s series Dawson’s Creek, has teamed up with Propstore to auction off memorabilia from his career to help cover medical expenses.

The 48-year-old revealed the emotional decision through People, explaining that years of collecting costumes, props and set pieces had turned into an unexpected lifeline. Among the items listed are the prom necklace his character gave to Joey, played by Katie Holmes, and the cleats and West Canaan Coyotes hat from his 1999 film Varsity Blues.

“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented, it’s clear that the time is now,” Van Der Beek told People. Though it tugs at his heart to let them go, he said the sale allows fans who supported his work to own a piece of his journey.

The memorabilia will be part of Propstore’s Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from 5 to 7 December, with all proceeds going towards his treatment. The actor went public with his cancer diagnosis last year, revealing he had been fighting it privately with his family’s support. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, saying he is “feeling good” and focused on recovery.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common type in both men and women in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control reports it also carries some of the highest treatment costs, with more than $24 billion spent in 2020 alone.

For fans who grew up watching Dawson Leery’s wide-eyed optimism on screen, the auction is a poignant reminder of the actor’s real-life resilience. Van Der Beek’s willingness to turn nostalgia into hope underscores his strength and connection to those who have followed his career from the very beginning.