Since 1992
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By Bill Van Tassel
LEWISTON — The Dempsey Center, for the first 10 years of its existence, partnered with Central Maine Medical Center. Although now merged with Portland’s Cancer Community Center, it has retained its name and identity, which began in 2008 with a large donation from actor Patrick Dempsey, who grew up in the Turner and Buckfield area.
Dempsey initiated the foundation of the cancer center with his sister, Mary Dempsey, a health-care professional, upon learning of their mother’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Amanda Dempsey battled the disease for 17 years before dying in 2014 at age 79.
The Dempsey Challenge is a multi-day, fund-raising event featuring several biking distances and run/walks; additionally, Lewiston’s Payne-Simard Park isfilled with vendors of all sorts, including non-profits, food service, entertainment, and the sale of Challenge clothing.
The actor retains a strong presence at all the activities, and over the last 10 years has done the 25- and 50-mile biking distances and some of the walks.
Always mixing freely with participants, visitors and the many volunteer who have made the event so successful over the years, Dempsey adds a special touch that speaks of his attachment to Maine and, of course, his family members who have experienced cancer.
Mary Dempsey was director of the Lewiston center for the 10-years of its association with CMMC. The challenge has consistently raised $1 million or more each year for the Cancer Center for Hope and Healing.
The Dempsey Center’s founding purpose is giving all forms of non-medical support to cancer patients and their families. They have offered everything from counseling to yoga, diet and various therapies, arts and crafts to helping people handle cancer with grace, dignity and a hopeful outlook.
PHOTO: John Cox of Hebron is followed by cancer survivor Deborah Ouellette from Poland. The riders were finishing the 100-mile Dempsey Challenge ride into Payne-Simard Park in Lewiston on Sunday, Sept. 30. Ouellette has done multiple challenge events, this being her first 100 after her cancer battle. (Bill Van Tassel photo)
