Copyright Newsweek
James Van Der Beek has announced that he will be auctioning several pieces of film and TV memorabilia from his acting career to help fund his expensive cancer treatment, after being diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer last year. The 48-year-old actor, best known for his roles as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek and Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in Varsity Blues, has partnered with Propstore for its Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in December. Among the items on offer are iconic pieces of wardrobe, props, and set pieces, including Van Der Beek's Dawson’s Creek pilot-episode outfit, which is estimated to be worth around $4,000. Also up for auction will be the necklace Dawson gave Joey Potter, played by Katie Holmes, for prom night, which could bring in between $26,400 and $52,800. Van Der Beek said in an interview with People: "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 recently, it's clear that the time is now. "While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore's auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years." All proceeds from the auction will go toward helping the cost of his cancer treatment. In 2024, Van Der Beek also sold autographed Varsity Blues merchandise to mark the 25th anniversary of the movie, noting on his Instagram that 100 percent of the net proceeds would go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer, including his own. Those interested in bidding can already register ahead of the live in-room bidding in London on December 6, which will be globally available until the end of play on December 7. Newsweek has reached out to representatives of James Van Der Beek for comment. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most-common cancer in the United States, affecting over 150,000 people each year, and killing over 50,000. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance says that about 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer also has the second-highest treatment cost of any cancer, accounting for 11.6 percent of all cancer treatment costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that colorectal cancer care cost about £24.3 billion in 2020 alone. Routine screening test starting at age 45 can find precancerous polyps that may be removed before turning into cancer. However, only about 33 percent of colorectal cancers are found at an early stage. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, referred to as the Affordable Care Act or "ACA" has since 2010, made health insurance more affordable for households with incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. However, the subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025, raising the price of premiums, potentially leading to coverage instability for many.
