What to Know
As James Van Der Beek continues to fight colorectal cancer, he’s also sharing his story along the way. In recent photos, the former Dawson’s Creek star is looking different these days because of his rapid weight loss, leaving fans concerned about what that could mean about his health.
Now, in a new interview on the Today show, James is opening up about the real reason behind his changing appearance while also sharing an update on his health.
James explained the reason behind his recent weight loss.
According to James himself, his weight loss was “not cancer related,” instead, it was caused by the stomach virus he suffered earlier this year that caused him to miss out on a Dawson’s Creek reunion that he’d really been looking forward to.
“I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus,” he explained. “Although with cancer, everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we supersize that stomach virus?’”
He praised his wife for her support.
James’ wife, Kimberly, has really stepped up for him during this difficult time for their family — along with the couple’s six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah who range in age from 15 to 2.
“I would not be alive were it not for my wife,” James said. “She has just stepped up as a caretaker, as a nurse, as head of the household. And then the kids, as much as I want to shield them from them seeing me in any kind of pain — you realize that resilience is not only something they have and can build, but is the best thing for them.”
He added that cancer has and will change everything about the way he approaches his life — even after he beats it.
As the family is building a life at their home in Texas, James is optimistic that eventually, his cancer battle will be a thing of the past, but the ways it has changed his life will stick with him forever.
“I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before, to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body,” he said. “Really, the biggest change I’d say would be this journey of self-love. What I realized was, I’m still worthy of love. My own love, God’s love.”
Here’s hoping James stays healthy as his treatment continues.
