The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum died on Wednesday, Feb. 11 due to complications from stage 3 colorectal cancer

James Van Der Beek with his family.Credit : James Van Der Beek/Instagram

James Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six kids are facing an “uncertain future” after the actor’s death.

According to a GoFundMe created by Kimberly’s friends, the family is out of money and struggling to stay in their home after Van Der Beek’s death on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” a description on the post read.

“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” it continued. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”

The post went on to say that funds will cover essential living expenses, bills and support the children’s education.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” read the post. “Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”

Van Der Beek shares six kids with his wife, Kimberly — daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Van Der Beek died due to complications of stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife announced the news on Instagram.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

The actor was first diagnosed in August 2023 and announced his diagnosis exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2024.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he revealed at the time. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

Van Der Beek previously called life with six kids a “humbling” experience while speaking with PEOPLE in May 2023. “When you think you’ve got it down, you get one that throws a curveball at you,” he said. “And it’s regulating our own emotions when things do get hectic and chaos ensues, which is inevitable at times.”

He added at the time that the “biggest delight” of watching his kids was seeing “how they interact” with each other. “They all take care of each other,” he said. “Sometimes they step in to help solve problems of their own volition. And the moment I see them looking after their baby brother, I really feel like, ‘Oh man, for whatever I’ve done wrong, I’m doing something right here.’ “