Maine gets Cancer clinic

[SimplyStar]

He may be at home on screen at Seattle Grace Hospital, but on Tuesday Patrick Dempsey made a special appearance at the Central Maine Medical Center, to announce plans for a new cancer center to be named in his honor.

Scheduled to open March 31, the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing was inspired by his mother, Amanda Dempsey, who fought ovarian cancer – and who is now cancer free, reports Maine's Kennebec Journal.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, the Grey's Anatomy star told assembled media that dealing with his mother's illness – and tracking down information about it – prompted his action.

"For a family to get a cancer diagnosis is devastating, and all the information out there can be overwhelming," Dempsey, 42, told reporters. "So I talked to my sister about a place where people could go for all this type of information and help. Knowledge is power."

Dempsey says his sister, Mary, who works at the hospital, will run the center.

[mrsbaguba]

Marty
I read Patrick's story about his mom in the WebMD magazine (Sept-Oct. 2007). Did you know his mom was dx at Stage IV in 1996, then recurred in 1999 and to this day is still cancer free?  I believe she is now 72 years old and going strong.  I'm sure there are many people in his financial position who are not as generous.  He sure is "giving back".....a wonderful testament to that courageous Mom who sure has raised a great son. (And he's not too bad on the eyes either) They sure must be a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing the news. Judie :)

[marie3B]

That is wonderful. I am going to read about his mother. That gives hope to many of us. Marie