Kimberly Van Der Beek Sends Heartfelt Note to Busy Phillips Tumor

On August 26, Kimberly Van Der Beek posted a heartfelt note on Instagram to actress Busy Phillips after the latter revealed a brain tumor diagnosis in an earlier interview.

The 44‑year‑old wrote, “We love you @busyphilipps and you got angels in heaven. ❤️” The supportive message appeared amid a growing wave of comments from fans, fellow actors, and health advocates who shared similar hashtags such as #BrainHealthAwareness.

Phillips first disclosed the tumor in a February interview after a Prenuvo full‑body scan flagged a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare slow‑growing brain tumor that can be difficult to detect without advanced imaging.

She said the appointment followed her husband Marc Silverstein’s earlier suggestion to proceed, even though the scan was scheduled a day after the death of her late husband James. The scan’s magnetic‑resonance component identified subtle changes in the frontal lobe that prompted further evaluation.

James Van Der Beek, the former “Dawson’s Creek” star, died at 48 from stage III colorectal cancer in February after a four‑year battle with the disease. His passing on Feb. 20, 2024 left Phillips and the entertainment community mourning a prominent actor whose career spanned film, television and stage.

Fans and colleagues paid tribute on social media, highlighting his contributions to both comedy and dramatic roles.

Kimberly’s post came in response to Phillips’ own Instagram update on the diagnosis, which quickly garnered support from fans, fellow actors, and health advocates. In her comment, Kimberly explicitly thanked Phillips and acknowledged the emotional weight of her situation, calling the actress a friend and expressing solidarity.

The post was shared over 10 k times within hours, sparking a broader conversation about early cancer detection.

Phillips revealed that she underwent a surgical procedure in March to remove a 2.6‑centimeter mass from her brain, performed through a craniotomy at a specialty neurosurgery center. She noted that while the tumor is classified as malignant, its grade offers the best prognosis among malignant gliomas, her neuro‑oncologist Dr.

Alexandra Miller, who explained that the tumor’s slow growth rate and location made it more amenable to complete removal. Miller also highlighted that oligodendrogliomas often respond better to surgical intervention than higher‑grade tumors.

After surgery, Phillips developed a staphylococcus infection at the incision site and required a second operation to clear the wound, a complication that can occur in roughly 1‑5% of brain surgeries.

She said she is now on a schedule of regular scans—every three months—to monitor her recovery, emphasizing the importance of early detection and vigilant follow‑up for potential recurrence. Her post included a photo of a bandaged head and a note about staying positive through recovery.

James Van Der Beek succumbed to colorectal cancer after a four‑year battle that began when the actor was diagnosed in 2014 and first treated with chemotherapy and radiation. He was 48 at the time of his death, and his family confirmed the cause as stage III colorectal disease, a form of cancer that spreads beyond the colon’s lining.

His final public appearance was a brief interview for a local news station in late January, where he spoke about health awareness.

Busy Phillips rose to fame as a co‑star on “Dawson’s Creek,” where she met James Van Der Beek; the two later married in 2016, and their relationship was documented in the early years of the series.

Their marriage ended in divorce in 2020, but they remained close friends and collaborators, with Phillips continuing to act in television dramas such as “The Good Doctor” and “The Long Road Home,” and appearing in films like “The Last Full Measure.”

A grade 2 oligodendroglioma is a low‑grade brain tumor that grows slowly but can still recur; it is often detected through advanced imaging like Prenuvo’s full‑body scans, which use magnetic resonance to identify subtle abnormalities.

Treatment typically involves surgical removal followed by monitoring, as Phillips experienced, and the prognosis depends on factors such as tumor size, location and completeness of resection. Oligodendrogliomas occur in roughly 1% of all brain tumors and are more common in adults aged 30–60.

Phillips stated that she will continue to undergo routine imaging to track any changes in her brain and will consult with her medical team for further treatment if needed, including possible adjuvant therapy or re‑operation. She emphasized the importance of early detection and regular check‑ups for anyone experiencing symptoms, .

Her doctor recommended MRI scans every three months for the first year, then biannually.

Despite the diagnosis, Phillips has not announced a pause in her acting projects; she remains active on social media and engaged with fans, sharing updates about her treatment and personal reflections.

She has expressed gratitude for the support received and plans to keep her audience informed as her health progresses, indicating that she is managing both her career and medical journey simultaneously. Her upcoming role in an independent drama is slated for a limited release next spring.

Kimberly has indicated that she will continue to offer encouragement and share updates from Phillips, using her platform to raise awareness about brain health, especially after losing James.

She remains a close friend to both Phillips and the late James Van Der Beek’s family, often posting messages of love and remembrance during memorial events. The couple's shared experiences have sparked discussions about the importance of timely screenings.

The shared journey of Busy Phillips and Kimberly Van Der Beek highlights how community support helps people face serious health challenges. Their dialogue may inspire others to prioritize health checks and seek prompt medical attention when needed, showing how personal stories can raise awareness.