James Van Der Beek is sharing insight into his private health battle.
The Dawson’s Creek alum has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, he said in a statement to People November 3, while noting he’s been “taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
“There’s reason for optimism,” the 47-year-old added of his journey with colorectal cancer, which originates in the colon or rectum, “and I’m feeling good.”
Indeed, James has been leaning on his loved ones during this time, including wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six kids: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.
In fact, the family of eight has celebrated many milestones together in recent weeks, including Jeremiah’s birthday.
“Three years old today,” James wrote on Instagram October 10 alongside photos of his youngest child. “We had no idea how much we needed you. But YOU did.”
