James Van Der Beek Auctions His Past To Fight For His Future

Actor James Van Der Beek is opening up a deeply personal chapter of his life by parting with the props and memorabilia that helped define his Hollywood career.

The "Dawson’s Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, is auctioning some of his most cherished keepsakes to help fund his ongoing treatment and recovery.

Fans of "Dawson’s Creek" and "Varsity Blues" will soon have a rare opportunity to own pieces of television and film history.

James Van Der Beek has teamed up with Propstore for its Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, taking place December 5–7, 2025.

The actor is releasing wardrobe items, props, and set pieces from his personal collection, many being made available to the public for the very first time.

Every dollar from the sale will go directly to Van Der Beek to help with the financial costs of his cancer battle.

Among the most coveted items is the necklace Dawson gifted Joey for prom, estimated to sell for between $26,400 and $52,800.

Also included are Dawson’s flannel shirt, featured in multiple episodes, and the outfit worn by the character in the show’s pilot episode, which could fetch up to $4,000.

For movie fans, the auction includes memorabilia from Varsity Blues, such as Van Der Beek’s game-worn cleats and the iconic West Canaan Coyotes hat.

For Van Der Beek, the decision to part with these treasured mementos was both emotional and empowering.

“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,” he shared in a chat with PEOPLE.

The actor admitted that nostalgia tugged at him as he prepared for the sale but said the process feels meaningful.

“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,” he added.

Fans can register to bid online or in person, with the live auction taking place in London on December 6 and global bidding continuing through December 7.

James Van Der Beek revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis last year, a deeply private struggle he has faced with grace and determination.

“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he previously told PEOPLE. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Since sharing the news, he’s received an outpouring of love from fans who have followed his journey from his early Dawson’s Creek days to his more recent projects.

Despite the challenges, Van Der Beek continues focusing on what truly matters most: his health and his family.

News of Van Der Beek's auction is coming almost two months after the "Dawson’s Creek" cast reunited for the first time in 22 years.

Fans were thrilled to see familiar faces back together again. However, Van Der Beek's absence cast a heavy shadow.

The 48-year-old star had long been looking forward to attending the reunion benefit. For him, it wasn’t just an event, but a long-awaited chance to reconnect with people who shaped his early career.

“This reunion benefit was something that James was waiting for as it offered him a change of pace, and to be able to see so many people that he loved was going to be so special,” a source close to him told the Daily Mail. “The fact that he was unable to do it was a major disappointment.”

In his absence, his wife Kimberly and their six children attended on his behalf. The evening became even more emotional when two of his daughters performed Paula Cole’s "I Don’t Wanna Wait," the show’s signature theme song.

“It was a moment where his illness won briefly, but to see how the event made [fans, as well as] his family feel and to see his daughters sing was such an incredible moment,” the source added. “It gave him a lot of happiness.”

Though he couldn’t attend in person, Van Der Beek appeared through a prerecorded message that played during the reunion.

His words were heartfelt and filled with gratitude but viewers couldn’t help noticing how frail he appeared. His slimmer frame and gentle delivery stirred concern across social media.

Still, those close to him said the message was a sign of his strength.

“He’s taking it all step by step, and though he looks frail, if he wasn’t doing better than expected, you wouldn’t have seen his family there,” a source shared.

Despite his battle, optimism remains. “This journey is going to take a while, but he is being positive and there is optimism that he will end up actually being OK,” the insider added.

For fans, his courage and perseverance serve as a poignant reminder that even while fighting for his health, James Van Der Beek continues to inspire with the same quiet strength that made him unforgettable on screen.