It’s been two months since the former Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek announced that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Now, the 47 year-old favorite of Gen Xers and Millennials is speaking out to send a touching message to his father, who has reportedly moved in with him to support him as he undergoes his cancer treatments.

Van Der Beek Thanks His Father

Like many others, Van Der Beek left the Hollywood life – in favor of a ranch. His wonderful father has moved on to the ranch to help out the family as James undergoes treatment.

“The way you have shown up when I’ve been down and out this year – without us having to ask, without the expectation of even a thank you… has been not just life-saving, but life affirming,” Van Der Beek wrote on Instagram. “Moving onto the ranch for when I’m away for treatment.”

“Making lunches, making fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chickens (neither of which you ever wanted and would just as soon never have had 🤣),” he continued. “But it’s even more than that. I’m blown away by how you’ve been there for me emotionally as I’ve moved through everything cancer brings up.”

Van Der Beek’s mother Melinda died back in 2020 at the age of 70. In the years since then, he’s only grown closer to his father.

“I know it’s outside your comfort zone, but especially since Mom died, you have come through for me again and again and again in ways that I didn’t even know how much I needed,” Van Der Beek added. “Watching you evolve, seeing what kind of man and father you are… gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express. I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you.”

“Thank you for being the best. Ever. Period,” he concluded. “I love you, dad.”

Watch Van Der Beek talk more about his cancer battle in the video below.

Related: ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Forced To Reveal Devastating Cancer Diagnosis At 47 Thanks To Tabloid Media

Van Der Beek’s Family And Cancer Diagnosis

Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly, who he’s been married to since 2010, likely need all the help that they can get right now. Indeed, they are parents to six children: daughter Olivia, 14; son Joshua, 12; daughter Annabel, 10; daughter Emilia, 8; daughter Gwendolyn, 6; and son Jeremiah, 3.

Van Der Beek revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis to the world back in November. At the time, he told People Magazine that he was “privately dealing with this diagnosis and [has] been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

Van Der Beek went on to say that his diagnosis came as a surprise, given the fact that he had no family history with cancer.

“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he admitted. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time.”

Related: James Van Der Beek Has Five Important Reasons He Moved To Texas – His Kids

Colorectal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon for one in 23 men on average. It’s unclear what stage Van Der Beek’s cancer is. However, thankfully, colorectal cancer has a 65% survival rate over the past five years.

“Many treatments can help control” colorectal cancer, including “surgery, radiation therapy and medicines, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy,” according to the Mayo Clinic. 

We’re glad to see that Van Der Beek’s father is giving him the help that he needs during this difficult time. Please join us in saying a prayer for Van Der Beek as his cancer battle continues!

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