Dempsey Challenge Participants,

The Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen is a non-competitive fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.

The Dempsey Center provides support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.

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.

We appreciate your efforts and enthusiasm toward raising the funds required to participate and hope that you will embrace your fundraising efforts in order to assist cancer patients, survivors and their families.

I am looking forward to another amazing weekend where we all come together to honor and support those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Thank you in advance for helping to ensure the 2010 Dempsey Challenge is another magical weekend.

- Patrick Dempsey

New in 2010!

To accommodate more participants, The 2010 Dempsey Challenge has been expanded to a two-day format and includes a 5K AND 10K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 2 and a 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-mile cycle tour on Sunday, October 3.

Due to the overwhelming demand in 2009, we encourage everyone to register early as the 2009 event was sold out. We are capping our registration at 4,000 for the run/walk events and 3,500 for the cycling events.

Registration fees have been set at $35 for the 5K and 10K Run/Walk and $75 for the cycle tours. To do both a run and a cycle event the registration is $100.

There is a minimum fundraising requirement of $150 for anyone 18 and over in order to participate. You will have until the time you pick up your packet event weekend to raise your minimum amount.

Volunteer registration will open March 1.