The Dempsey Challenge Century Ride to Pass Through Sebago Lakes Region of Maine

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, Sept 30 to Oct 6
September 29, 2010
Woodbury, Buker, Sand and Jimmy Ponds Make Up the Tacoma Lakes Region of Litchfield, Maine
October 3, 2010

The Dempsey Challenge Century Ride to Pass Through Sebago Lakes Region of Maine

 Early morning on Long Lake in Naples 

The Dempsey Challenge returns to the Lakes Regions of Maine this weekend. The second annual Dempsey Challenge, A Journey for Hope has grown to a two-day event. 

Maine native, Patrick Dempsey, who currently stars as Dr. Derek Shepherd in the ABC series, “Grey’s Anatomy,” is the driving force behind this fund raising event. In 2008 he donated money to create the Patrick Dempsey Center fro Cancer Hope and Healing at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston after his mom had survived treatments for ovarian cancer. The Center, the beneficiary of the Challenge, helps patients, survivors and caregivers face many hurdles throughout treatment. 

The Mission Statement of the Challenge includes the following: “The Dempsey Challenge is a run/walk and cycling experience which integrates the passion and support of the cancer community with the hospitality of the Lewiston/Auburn community, while providing a rewarding experience and unprecedented value to all participants and partners.”

“It’s interesting,” says Wendy Tardif, Events Manager. “And it’s a little different than any other charity ride. We have this famous person, this actor, that is the brainchild. We’re also bringing in pro-cyclists, which may draw more elite cyclists to the charity ride. Add the cancer community and it makes a powerful combo to draw people to the event.”

This year the Challenge will include a 5K and 10K run/walk at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 2 and a 10, 25, 50 or 100-mile bike trek on Sunday, October 3. The Century ride will pass through the Sebago Lakes Region, passing Thompson Lake, Pleasant Lake, Panther Pond and Long Lake. I just learned from a friend who will participate in the run/walk that Patrick Dempsey will walk with his mother on Saturday and then ride on Sunday. 

On the Challenge Web site, Patrick Dempsey states, “Now in its second year, I am proud to report that all of the Center’s offerings are provided free of charge. Dempsey Challenge event organizers are focused on providing an exceptional experience for everyone involved as well as raising needed funds to help cancer patients and their families. To that end, in addition to the required entry fee, we have set a minimum fundraising requirement of $150 for all participants 18 and over. In reviewing other events similar in nature, we found that most require higher minimums.”

An all day lawn festival with activities for the whole family, a Health-Fitness Expo and special activities for cancer survivors will take place both days at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park on Oxford Street in Lewiston. Other events include a talk by Scott Burton, cancer survivor, comedian, author and world class juggler at The Public Theatre and a “fun raiser” performance by The Pete Kilpatrick Band at Gritty McDuff’s. 

In between all of these events, take some time to tour a few lakefront properties in the Lakes Regions of Maine.

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