By Shawn Smith
Mary-Margaret Humes, who starred in the hit series DAWSON’S CREEK, opened up about her battle with colon cancer in 2007.
“[The cancer] was just about ready to break out of the wall,” Humes said. “It could’ve been a terrible situation, but we caught it in time. My doctor said we dodged a bullet, and it was all because of early detection.”
When costar James Van Der Beek told Humes, who played his mom on DAWSON’S CREEK, of his own cancer diagnosis, she had greater insight and empathy than most.
“Since [then], we’ve had multiple conversations that are very uplifting and spiritual. He knows I’ve got his back 100 percent. He’s going to get through this, and we’re all coming together,” she added.
Humes is optimistic of Van Der Beek’s prognosis and urged others to get screened for colon cancer.
Related: James Van Der Beek Looks to Faith During ‘Hardest’ Year of Cancer
“Cancers are survivable, but go out and get screened — thankfully, that’s part of James’ journey,” Humes said.
Van Der Beek revealed he had Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024. He was diagnosed the previous year.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the father of six told PEOPLE.
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he continued.
The diagnosis made him evaluate his life and what matters most.
“Cancer’s a wild thing,” he said. “It really does force you to look at your own mortality and decide what’s important and decide really what you want to live the rest of your life without.”
The 48-year-old said that he made it a policy to be honest about his cancer with his kids, and it afforded them “lovely moments of connection.”
“They all handle it differently. They all hide it differently…But again, telling them what I’m going through, it actually allows them to show up for me in a way that’s just been so beautiful,” Van Der Beek revealed. “’Dad, can I get you tea?’ ‘No, Dad, I’ll get that for you.’ ‘How are you feeling today?’ They know when I’m having a bad day. I mean, kids, they pick up on everything.”
His DAWSON’S CREEK family is rallying behind him too.
On Sept. 22, costars Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes will reunite in an already sold-out event for a live reading of the pilot of the late ‘90s to aughts series to support Van Der Beek and raise money for the nonprofit F Cancer.
“We grew up in Capeside and that’s a bond that will last a lifetime,” Williams said. “We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I know the fans of Dawson’s Creek feel the same way.”
We pray for healing for James Van Der Beek and that Jesus may use this to bring him and his family closer to Himself.
Read Next: ‘So Proud’: James Van Der Beek Celebrates Daughter’s First TV Appearance
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