The Dempsey Challenge Presented by Amgen Raises Over One Million Dollars
LEWISTON, Maine, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The second annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen in Lewiston, Maine attracted more than 4,000 participants from 38 states and five countries throughout the weekend and raised over $1.1 million to benefit The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.
The event featured a 5K and 10K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 2, hosting over 2,300 participants, followed by more than 1,800 taking part in cycling event of 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-miles on Sunday, Oct. 3. Event namesake, actor and Maine native, Patrick Dempsey participated in the 50-mile cycling ride alongside professional cyclists Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner, and former pro Kevin Livingston.
Dempsey created the Challenge to serve as the primary fundraising vehicle for the Dempsey Center, which provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Dempsey founded the Center in March 2008, as a response to his mother's multiple battles with ovarian cancer. His work with Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer program laid the groundwork.
"Amgen's desire to give back to the communities and make a difference and help people with their Breakaway from Cancer initiative really was the inspiration to starting up the Dempsey Center," said Dempsey.
"This weekend's Dempsey Challenge was a hugely successful team effort in the fight against cancer," said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "Amgen is more than proud to serve as the Dempsey Challenge presenting sponsor."
Shortly after the crossing the finish line, Dempsey and his mother, Amanda, led a crowd of hundreds in Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk. The event culminated onstage with an inspirational speech from Amgen Breakaway from Cancer award winner Scott Thomas and Dempsey expressing his gratitude to all involved.
Thousands of spectators took advantage of the beautiful autumn weekend and enjoyed a free, family-friendly Festival in the Park including a Health and Wellness Expo, Spirit of Hope tent for cancer survivors, KidZone, live entertainment, lobster bake and more.
Handmade mile markers honoring and memorializing those whose lives have been impacted by cancer lined the stretch to the finish line and over 1,000 prayer flags containing messages of hope and inspiration were displayed.
The 2011 Dempsey Challenge is scheduled for Oct. 8-9.
SOURCE The Dempsey Challenge
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