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Opening up about his challenging journey, the beloved Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, 47, expressed heartfelt appreciation for his support system – particularly his wife Kimberly, 42, and their six beautiful children (Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3), who have been his pillars of strength during this difficult time.

“It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it,” Van Der Beek wrote via an Instagram post shared on Thursday, November 28. “For the giant life re-direct cancer has placed in my path. For the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level, and in ways I never would have been able to ask for had I not been going through it.”

James Van Der Beek at the "Life Happens" Los Angeles Premiere, AMC Century City 15, Century City, CA 04-02-12 — James Van Der Beek at the “Life Happens” Los Angeles Premiere, AMC Century City 15, Century City, CA. Photo credit: depositphotos.com

The emotional Instagram update included a touching family photo featuring Van Der Beek alongside his wife and children, perfectly capturing their tight-knit bond.

The actor, who recently revealed his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, shared an optimistic update about his health journey. “I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” Van Der Beek, 47, told People in an interview published on Friday, November 8. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for […]”

In his heartfelt message, he paid special tribute to his wife’s extraordinary dedication. “And I’m more grateful than ever to my super human wife who has shown up on levels I never knew possible. Who has shown me what unconditional love is and the magic that comes from that. I am in awe of you, @vanderkimberly,” he wrote.

James Van Der Beek, - 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball - Los Angeles — James Van Der Beek, Kimberly Brook at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball at the Private Estate on June 3, 2017 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo credit: depositphotos.com

The actor’s love for his children shone through as he continued, “And of course, I’m beyond thankful [for] the little blond army of hearts who keep me present, active, and inspired just by being you. I love you guys beyond.”

Reflecting on his personal growth, Van Der Beek added that he had developed a new perspective on his health, writing, “I’m grateful for this new relationship I have to my body, and what I feed it.”

The former teen heartthrob opened up about his 2023 diagnosis, which came after a routine colonoscopy, in a recent People magazine interview. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he shared with the outlet in a November profile. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

The actor elaborated on his ongoing health journey, revealing that he had already completed treatment privately, maintaining an optimistic perspective throughout.

“I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” he added. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know. I have a lot to live for.”

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