Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
LEWISTON — Patrick Dempsey initiated the Dempsey Center for Hope and Healing and the Dempsey Challenge fundraiser in 2008 with a $250,000 donation to get the enterprise going. The center, part of Central Maine Medical Center family, has offered it services to individuals and families affected by cancer.
Among the reasons for Dempsey, a movie and TV actor, starting the center and the challenge was his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer. Amanda Dempsey died in March 2014 after fighting cancer for many years.
Her son, born in Lewiston and raised in Turner and Buckfield, consistently speaks about his former homes in positive terms, and wished to use some of the financial success and fame he has achieved to help others affected by cancer.
The 2017 Dempsey Challenge, held Oct. 8 and 9, was held for the ninth time this year. Hundreds of volunteers helped, even in the rain, to keep bike rides and walk/runs going, as well as running the many booths and services set in Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston.
Many fans of the event and admirers of the actor lined the streets and park paths, just hoping to get a glimpse or selfie with the man best known for playing Dr. Derek (McDreamy) Shepard on the television series “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2005 to 2015. He also starred in movies, beginning in the mid-1980s and is a race-car driver.
Over 3,500 participants took part in this year’s challenge, including a few dozen its first two-day bike ride. Dempsey rode in the 25-mile event with his 10-year-old son, Darby, while Darby’s twin brother, Sullivan, rode with Dempsey’s, Jillian. Also joining the family in the ride was long-time challenge fan and professional bike racer Freddie Rodriguez.
Over $1,000,000 was raised again for the Center. Bates college employee David Gervais was the number one individual fundraiser with over $18,000. The Colby College group raised $25,000 reaching their own Challenge goal of surpassing Bates and Bowdoin Colleges. The school’s championship Field Hockey team were all over Patrick on Saturday morning getting hugs, handshakes and selfies. Every year Dempsey is ever willing to take time to mix with the crowd and share that great smile.
The Dempsey Center offers services to cancer patients, that in addition to information and emotional support, include: massage, nutrition & cooking, yoga, Tai Chi, youth programs, crafts, a Fall retreat, and many other short and long-term helps for the affected families.
