The Dempsey Center was founded by actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey and his family in 2008 in Lewiston, Maine. Patrick’s mother, Amanda Dempsey, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997. After standing alongside her with the rest of his family in her cancer journey until her passing in 2014, and inspired by Amanda’s passion for helping others, Patrick and his family created a space where those impacted by cancer could find relief, comfort, resources, and support. Since its inception, the Center has provided personalized and comprehensive cancer support care at no cost to its clients. The mission of the Center has been consistent since its start: to make life better for people impacted by cancer.
The Center today provides care and support to thousands of individuals impacted by cancer, with two physical locations in Maine (Lewiston and South Portland, Maine), a fully virtual, worldwide center named Dempsey Connects, and Clayton’s House, a hospitality house, providing a home-away-from home for those who must travel for cancer treatment.
All individuals impacted by cancer, whether a cancer patient, survivor, care partner, family, or friend, and regardless of where they are on a cancer journey, are eligible for services at the Center.
The goals of the services provided at the Center are to provide comfort through compassion, connection, and choice. The Center’s services fall into three categories of offerings:
- Oncology Counseling: Individual, family, and support group counseling provide an opportunity for connection in whatever way works best for each client.
- Complementary Integrative Therapies: Nutrition, Movement & Fitness, and Integrative Bodywork Therapies (Massage, Acupuncture, and Reiki) are provided individually and in group settings to offer educational opportunities and ways to enhance client wellbeing.
- Comfort + Wellbeing: Dempsey Dogs, Clayton’s House Hospitality Home, Wigs & Headwear, and Comfort Items for people impacted by cancer – supporting them wherever they are in their cancer journey.