November 15, 2019
Patrick Dempsey is “McDreamy” not only on the screen but in real life as well. The Grey’s Anatomy alum founded the Dempsey Center for cancer hope and healing in 2008 at his home state of Maine.
The actor wished to give back the community where he grew up and honor his beloved mother, whom he lost to the disease.
Now the 53-year-old feels ‘grateful’ to be able to offer free care for cancer patients.
Patrick Dempsey talked about his center and his personal tragedy that prompted him to create it at The Atlantic’s People v. Cancer event.
The actor shared how happy he feels to be able to offer a free quality of life cancer care at the Dempsey Center. He said:
I’m really grateful to be a part of this, and to see the impact of the center is making within the community and the state of Maine is a beautiful thing.
Dempsey noted that helping people to improve their health is what ‘the meaning of life is about.’ He added:
It’s an inspiring thing, and working with people who have the intention to improve other people’s lives in an altruistic way — that’s what the meaning of life is about, in my opinion, and we need more of that.
The pain of seeing someone you love battle with cancer is something the actor knows too well about. His mother, Amanda, was diagnosed with the disease in 1997. Her cancer returned 12 times before she passed away in 2014.
@Dee Marie:
My Deepest Sympathy to Patrick & The Dempsey Family
@Charity Hendress:
Having just lost someone I love to Metastatic Ovarian Cancer, I am glad he is using his powers to open this clinic and hopefully get more research for this horrible horrible cancer. Prayers for the Dempsey family and their loved ones.
@Pamela Davis:
I'm so sorry about your mother, I understand how it feels to lose a mother. I have had breast cancer as well, and went chemo and several surges at 35 to keep the anger spreading further, I'm so sorry
@Kathy Kenefic:
So sad
The amazing work Dempsey is doing is truly inspiring. The actor has been the center’s board member since 2018 and is actively involved in helping those whose life was impacted by the devastating disease.
