James Van Der Beek has spoken his heart out about all that he has gone through since being diagnosed with cancer in a December 3 interview on Good Morning America. He spoke to Robin Roberts about his ongoing stage 3 colorectal cancer and said he felt very grateful for the continuous support of his wife, Kimberley.
“She’s shown me what unconditional love really means,” an emotional Van Der Beek said. He remembered how Kimberley had stood by him and given him strength during the most debilitating phase of his illness. This disease, he admitted, has forced him to accept help-a process that was painful but instructive.
The actor credited his wife, family, and friends who came through when he needed them most. Their support has helped him navigate the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment he described as a rollercoaster.
Life-Changing Diagnosis and New Perspectives
Van Der Beek revealed that the diagnosis initially felt like a nightmare, disrupting his plans for the year. However, he now sees his battle with cancer as an opportunity for growth. “As difficult as this has been, I’m confident it will lead to positive changes in my life,” he said.
He admitted that he was shocked, and coupled with his feelings of fear because of the news, this diagnosis has rather encouraged him to make wholesome changes in his life. He hopes that by focusing on being long-term healthy, the journey will eventually add years to his life.
There are certainly periods of downright terror and emotional exposure, according to Van Der Beek, but it’s about finding meaning in what took place for him that keeps him onward. His motivation is to make many other people aware of colorectal cancer via his story and think early on regarding proper diagnosis or proactive health measures.
Grateful in Adversity
As the holiday season unfolds, Van Der Beek remains grateful for the love surrounding him. On Thanksgiving, he posted a touching message reflecting on his journey alongside photos of his wife and their six children. “It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it,” he wrote.
Although cancer has brought on some tough moments, Van Der Beek still looks toward the future optimistically. The visit to Good Morning America is important in sharing his story in such a way that underlines just how vital family, resilience, and self-care can be during hard times.
The openness of the actor reminds one that even in those moments when life is harsh, there is room for gratitude and hope. Moving forward, Van Der Beek is still committed to making sure this chapter becomes a source of strength and inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
