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A virus kept James Van Der Beek from taking part in a cast-reunion reading of the pilot episode of Dawson’s Creek Sept. 22 in NYC. But the 48-year-old sent a video to play at the charity event benefiting F Cancer. “I can’t believe I’m not there,” he said in the clip. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.”

While his costars, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Busy Phillipps and Joshua Jackson, sent their love, fans were shocked by James’ frail appearance.

The actor, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, has been open about his health battle, sharing with People his belief that “miracles do happen” despite the severity of his disease.

As the dad of six young children with wife Kimberly Brook, James is “staying positive and upbeat,” an insider tells Star. “There’s no doubt he’s up against some tough odds, but everyone, including James, is hoping for the best.”