James Van Der Beek's GoFundMe Sparks Debate on Health Care Costs

The backlash over the actor's crowdfunding campaign highlights the struggles many families face with medical bills.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After the death of actor James Van Der Beek at age 48 from colon cancer, his family started a GoFundMe that quickly raised over $2.5 million. However, the campaign sparked backlash online, with some criticizing the Van Der Beeks for asking for financial help despite their wealth. The author, whose husband also has cancer, contemplates starting a GoFundMe of their own, but feels embarrassed and worries about social judgment. The story explores the difficult realities of navigating the American healthcare system and the stigma around publicly asking for financial assistance, even in the face of devastating medical costs.

Why it matters

This story sheds light on the immense financial burden that families face when dealing with serious illnesses like cancer, even for those who are not considered 'poor.' It highlights the shame and social stigma that can prevent people from seeking the help they desperately need, as well as the broader systemic issues with the U.S. healthcare system that forces many to rely on crowdfunding to cover basic medical expenses.

The details

The author's husband has acute leukemia, which is one of the most expensive cancers to treat. Even with insurance, the bills can reach the high five figures, not counting lost income and caregiver costs. The author has considered starting a GoFundMe but feels embarrassed and worries about social judgment from colleagues, friends, and other parents. The story also discusses the Van Der Beek family's $4.8 million ranch in Texas, which they purchased shortly before James' death, and how that fueled criticism of their GoFundMe campaign.

  • James Van Der Beek died in February 2026 at the age of 48 from colon cancer.
  • The Van Der Beek family started a GoFundMe campaign shortly after James' death.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek.' He died in 2026 at the age of 48 from colon cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek's wife, who shared the GoFundMe link on her Instagram story after his death.

The author

A writer whose husband also has cancer, specifically acute leukemia, and is contemplating starting a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the medical expenses.

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What they’re saying

“Why shouldn't they be allowed to fight to maintain some sense of normalcy, even if their 'normal' has more square footage than most? Are we all supposed to live our lives spending as little as possible in the first place, so we can be prepared to be absolutely walloped with unexpected medical bills?”

— The author (Slate)

“If people donated to us, and one day saw me out at dinner with my soon-to-be-vintage Gucci bag, would they think, Why did I give her my hard-earned money?”

— The author (Slate)

What’s next

The author is still considering whether to start a GoFundMe campaign for their own family to help cover the medical expenses related to their husband's cancer treatment.

The takeaway

This story highlights the difficult financial and emotional challenges that families face when dealing with serious illnesses in the U.S. healthcare system, and the complex social dynamics around publicly asking for financial assistance, even when it is desperately needed. It raises questions about the fairness and accessibility of the crowdfunding model for medical expenses, and the broader systemic issues that force many Americans to rely on it.