James Van Der Beek is turning nostalgia into something deeply meaningful.
The beloved Dawson’s Creek star, who has been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since 2023, is auctioning off pieces from his career to help fund his ongoing treatment. It’s a bittersweet move for the actor, who says parting with these memories feels both emotional and empowering.
A year ago, Van Der Beek sold memorabilia from his film Varsity Blues to help offset medical costs. Now, he’s parting with more treasures — including some iconic Dawson’s Creek items — to continue financing his recovery.
According to People, Van Der Beek has partnered with Propstore to hold the auction this December, with “100% of the proceeds from these items [going] to Van Der Beek to help with the financial cost of fighting cancer.”
“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,” James told the outlet. “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.”
Among the standout items is Dawson’s signature stone necklace — an accessory that longtime fans will instantly recognize. The necklace appeared throughout the early seasons of Dawson’s Creek until the character gave it to Joey in season three. The piece is expected to fetch between $26,400 and $52,800.
Van Der Beek’s decision to auction off such personal keepsakes reflects not just resilience, but gratitude — toward his fans, his craft, and the community that’s stood by him for decades.
