Celebrity4 min(s) read
Former Disney star in tears as she's diagnosed with cancer after James Van Der Beek's death inspired health check
A former Disney Channel star has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer after the devastating death of James Van Der Beek prompted her to prioritize her own health.
Christy Carlson Romano, 42, best known for starring in Even Stevens alongside Shia LaBeouf in 2002, shared an emotional update with fans after learning she has what she described as “stageable cancer.”
Her decision to undergo testing came after the loss of the Dawson’s Creek icon, who died aged 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Fighting back tears, Romano explained that she had met Van Der Beek several times over the years and was deeply affected by his passing.
“I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a bunch. His family is amazing, he was a pillar of our community in Texas. They were always raising money for the most amazing charities and... he's not with us any more, which is why I got this test,” she said.
Van Der Beek’s battle with cancer
The late star had been open about his diagnosis, which came after persistent changes in his bowel habits: “It was just a change in bowel habits... I thought, I probably need to change my diet a little bit,” he recalled, per PEOPLE.
"Maybe I need to stop coffee. Maybe I need to not put cream in the coffee. And then I finally took that out of the diet, and it didn't improve, and I thought, all right, I better go get this checked out," he added.
After undergoing further testing, he received life-changing news: "I felt really, really good as I was coming out of anesthesia that I had finally done it and looked into it. And as I was coming out of the haze, the gastroenterologist said - in his most pleasant bedside manner - it is cancer."
His wife, Kimberly, confirmed his death in a tribute shared on social media: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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," she added.
The Rules of Attraction star leaves behind Kimberly and their six children, Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah.
Romano's emotional health update
Christy revealed that cancer had touched her family before, making the diagnosis especially frightening.
“Both my parents had cancer. My mom beat it, my dad eventually didn't, my grandmother on my mom's side had lung cancer and died from that. I got the results back a little bit before filming down in Florida [last December],” she wrote on Instagram.
The Special Forces: World's Toughest Test contestant admitted she is now preparing for further testing.
“Right now the news is that something is going on. I’m nervous and a bit scared (heck who wouldn’t be!). I’m going in for a PET scan later this week and hopefully it’s something easy to treat. I debated whether or not I was going to post this because I was afraid I’d come off 'cringe.'
"But I decided it was my duty to share, so that people get out there and get screenings. Let’s keep the good vibes going and I will keep you all posted as I get more information," she added.
The actress also spoke candidly about her fears for her family, particularly her two young daughters: "I'm sure people think I'm overreacting, but I'm not because cancer's pretty f*****g serious and I have two little girls. This is a very emotional post."
Her husband, Brendan, responded publicly to his wife’s message of vulnerability and strength, writing: "You got this my beautiful wife. We will figure this out and destroy any problem that comes your way. I love you beyond words."