Paul Walter Hauser, known for his role in Cobra Kai, has initiated a fundraising campaign to assist James Van Der Beek with his mounting medical expenses. This effort comes after Van Der Beek revealed that he was auctioning memorabilia from Dawson’s Creek to help cover costs related to his colorectal cancer treatment.
Paul Walter Hauser’s Campaign to Support a Fellow Actor and Father
Hauser expressed discomfort upon learning about Van Der Beek’s decision to sell personal items from his acting career. On January 23, he posted on Instagram,
“James Van Der Beek started selling his old stuff from his past acting jobs to pay for his colorectal cancer treatments, and it didn’t sit well with me,”
highlighting his empathy for Van Der Beek’s situation. He added,
“I am an actor and father of 3 children, and I want them inheriting my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday.”
The Luckiest Man in America actor further explained his perspective:
“I wouldn’t want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment.”
Hauser revealed his plan to raise $20,000 by March 1st through recorded videos on Cameo, a platform where fans can purchase personalized messages from celebrities. In addition, he intends to organize an auction featuring autographed items from well-known personalities such as Josh Gad, Becky Lynch, and Jimmy Kimmel.
“Please repost this and spread the love by spreading the word,”
he urged his followers.
“I am trying to raise 20k by March 1st, through recorded Cameo videos, and then I plan to do an auction of celebrity friends’ personal items and autographs (Josh Gad, Becky Lynch, Jimmy Kimmel, and many many more-) to continue our support of a fellow actor, father and husband who has rolled a painful pair of dice these last couple years.”
Hauser also expressed admiration for Van Der Beek’s character, stating,
“I’ve always liked James Van Der Beek and he seems like a really good dude,”
and appealed for public support, adding,
“Let’s help him out in this difficult moment. Prayers Up 4 The Beek!”
James Van Der Beek’s Auction to Fund Medical Care
The Dawson’s Creek star, who shares six children with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, began selling cherished items from the show to manage the financial burden of his stage 3 colon cancer treatment. He explained his motivation in a statement released on Propstore’s Live Auction website:
“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.”
Despite the challenges brought on by his diagnosis, Van Der Beek has found a positive outlook in his journey. During a December 19 episode of Today, he shared,
“As soon as I heard the news, I thought, ‘This is going to be the best thing that ever happened to me.’ I had this little voice in my head that said, ‘You’re going to make changes in your life that you would never, ever make if you didn’t have this extreme of a diagnosis.’”
He also reflected on the personal growth spurred by his illness:
“Really, the biggest change would be this journey of self-love. What I realized was, I’m still worthy of love.”
Other Celebrities and Their Public Cancer Battles
Paul Walter Hauser’s fundraising initiative reflects a broader community of celebrities who have openly shared their experiences with cancer, shedding light on the struggles and victories involved in facing this disease.
Colin Egglesfield’s Prostate Cancer Recovery
In January 2025, Colin Egglesfield, known for his work on All My Children, announced his diagnosis with prostate cancer, marking his third battle with the disease. After undergoing surgery and treatment, he declared himself cancer-free in February 2025. Egglesfield shared on Instagram,
“Remember, you’re not defined by any of your challenges. You’re grander than it all. I’m not my fear, my anxiousness or my scars but I embrace it all because the only way to transform it is to own it.”
Gerry Turner’s Struggle with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia
Gerry Turner, a participant in the Golden Bachelor reality show, revealed his diagnosis in December 2024 with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare bone marrow cancer. He explained the emotional weight of living with an incurable illness:
“Unfortunately, there’s no cure for it. So that weighs heavily in every decision I make. It was like 10 tons of concrete were just dropped on me. And I was a bit in denial for a while, I didn’t want to admit to it.”
Jim Beaver’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer
Jim Beaver, recognizable from The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had battled prostate cancer for years but was now cancer-free, exemplifying the resilience many celebrities have shown in facing serious health challenges.
Ariana Madix’s Health Reveal
The Vanderpump Rules star disclosed to fans at the end of 2018 that she had to
“have a lil bit o’cancer removed from my body and lymph nodes biopsied,”
assuring followers that she was now in the clear.
Marcia Cross Overcoming Anal Cancer
In September 2018, Desperate Housewives actress Marcia Cross revealed she survived anal cancer. She reflected publicly,
“After posting a picture of myself here and uttering the words #cancer and #hairloss, I feel liberated, deliriously free and completely me.”
Dustin Hoffman’s Successful Cancer Treatment
Two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman underwent treatment for cancer and was declared surgically cured by his representatives, highlighting successful medical interventions in the fight against cancer.
Hugh Jackman’s Multiple Skin Cancer Treatments
Famous for his role in X-Men, Hugh Jackman has faced multiple basal cell carcinomas, including a third treatment in 2014 and two biopsies in April 2023. Cautioning fans, he said,
“If I can just take this opportunity to remind you summer is coming for those of us in the northern hemisphere, please wear sunscreen.”
Camille Grammer’s Dual Cancer Battles
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Camille Grammer celebrated being cancer-free for a year in January after battling endometrial cancer and later squamous cell carcinoma. Her experiences underscore long-term resilience in confronting cancer.
Gordon Ramsay’s Fight Against Basal Cell Carcinoma
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shared photos following surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma and expressed gratitude, advising fans,
“Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend.”
He added humorously,
“I promise you it’s not a face lift, I’d need a refund…”
Cobie Smulders’ Ovarian Cancer Survival
At age 25, Cobie Smulders faced ovarian cancer but overcame the disease and continued to build a family with husband Taran Killam, showing strength amid adversity.
Dr. Drew Pinsky’s Prostate Cancer Recovery
TV host Dr. Drew Pinsky announced successful surgery for prostate cancer in 2013 and has since maintained a clean bill of health.
Brooke Burke and Thyroid Cancer
The Dancing with the Stars cohost recovered from thyroid cancer surgery and shared on social media,
“Thx for all the twitter love. I’m [home] recovering & resting.”
Angie Everhart’s Cancer-Free Declaration
Actress Angie Everhart announced her cancer-free status enthusiastically on Twitter:
“MY DR CALLED ME ON A SAT. MORNING TO TELL ME I AM CANCER FREE!!!!! #wootothemotherf–kinhoo.”
Christina Applegate’s Breast Cancer Battle
After treatment including a double mastectomy, Christina Applegate was declared 100-percent clear of breast cancer, marking a significant milestone in her health journey.
Michael C. Hall’s Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Victory
The Dexter actor used a break from his series to focus on combating Hodgkin’s lymphoma, successfully overcoming the disease.
Michelle Monaghan’s Early Detection Efforts
Encouraged by her husband, Michelle Monaghan had a cancerous mole removed from her calf in October 2011, demonstrating the importance of vigilance and early detection.
Ewan McGregor’s Skin Cancer Treatment
Scottish actor Ewan McGregor recovered after having a cancerous mole removed from beneath his right eye.
Sheryl Crow’s Breast Cancer Recovery
The singer underwent minimally invasive surgery and radiation therapy to overcome breast cancer in 2004.
Michael Douglas’ Throat Cancer Battle
Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas announced early in 2011 that he had successfully beaten throat cancer, inspiring many with his recovery.
Edie Falco’s Triumph Over Breast Cancer
Emmy winner Edie Falco overcame breast cancer in 2004, continuing her acting career with resilience.
Anderson Cooper’s Skin Cancer Removal
The CNN veteran had a cancerous growth removed from under his left eye in 2008, likely influencing his public emphasis on sun safety.
Kylie Minogue’s Breast Cancer Fight
Australian pop star Kylie Minogue underwent successful breast cancer surgery in 2005 and has since remained a symbol of survival.
Barry Watson’s Hodgkin’s Disease Recovery
The 7th Heaven actor was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at 28 and continues to thrive in his career more than two decades later.
Maura Tierney’s Return After Breast Cancer
Maura Tierney had to pause her role in Parenthood to battle breast cancer in 2009 but made a quick comeback following successful treatment.
Sharon Osbourne’s Colon Cancer Journey
America’s Got Talent judge Sharon Osbourne was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002 and emphasized regular screenings while undergoing chemotherapy. She was declared cancer-free the following year.
Robert De Niro’s Prostate Cancer Survival
Robert De Niro overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has since appeared in hundreds of films, continuing his prolific career.
Robin Roberts’ Public Chemotherapy Battle
The Good Morning America cohost bravely shared her breast cancer treatment experience in 2007, revealing her smooth scalp to encourage awareness and strength.
Lance Armstrong’s Defiance Against Testicular Cancer
Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong returned from stage-four testicular cancer to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles, an extraordinary comeback story.
Melissa Etheridge’s Activism Following Breast Cancer
Following a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, Melissa Etheridge became a prominent activist for cancer awareness and support.
Julia Sweeney’s Creative Response to Cancer
Comedian Julia Sweeney transformed her breast cancer experience into God Said Ha!, a successful one-woman Broadway show that humorously explored her journey.
MY DR CALLED ME ON A SAT. MORNING TO TELL ME I AM CANCER FREE!!!!! #wootothemotherfuckinhoo
— angie everhart (@angieeverhart) May 18, 2013
