From left: Dustin Bisson, Patrick Dempsey, Henry James and Levi Leipheimer address the crowd at Levi's GranFondo in 2011.

For the second straight year, organizers of Patrick Dempsey’s Dempsey Challenge and Levi Leipheimer’s GranFondo have partnered to offer a special fundraising incentive through Positive Tracks, a fundraising initiative for ages 23-or-under.

The top Dempsey Challenge Positive Tracks fundraiser will win an all expense paid trip to Santa Rosa, California to take part in the GranFondo, scheduled for Sept. 29. In turn, the GranFondo top youth fundraiser will win a trip to Lewiston, Maine to participate in the Dempsey Challenge slated for Oct. 13-14. Dempsey and Leipheimer will be present at both events to host the lucky winners in what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend.

Last year, 15-year-old race car driver from Greene, Maine, Dustin “Lil Man” Bisson and his family sold cancer awareness bracelets and raised $7,742 to benefit cancer survivors and their cargivers. Bisson and his father headed to the west coast as Leipheimer’s special guests. The following week, GranFondo top youth fundraiser Henry James, 12, took part in the Dempsey Challenge where he rode with Dempsey and pro cyclists Liepheimer, Tom Danielson, Freddie Rodriguez, Bernie Eisel, Davis Phinney, Connie Phinney, Coryn Rivera and Kristin McGrath.

The Dempsey Challenge serves as the primary fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. The Dempsey Center provides free support, education and integrative medicine to anyone impacted by cancer. GranFondo beneficiaries include VeloStreet’s Cycling Initiatives Program, Forget Me Not Farm, LIVESTRONG and community development.

Implemented in 2011, Positive Tracks encourages and supports community building, wellness and philanthropy for youth ages 23-or-under. Funds raised through the program are matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.

The trip includes round-trip airfare, three nights lodging, transportation, bike rental and meal stipend. The winner will be determined by the total amount raised (minimum of $3,000) at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2012. Registrations fees and the Positive Tracks match do not count toward this or other incentives.

For more information:

• Dempsey Challenge
• Positive Tracks
• Levi’s GranFondo

Tory Ryden interviews Angela Black during the third annual Dempsey Challenge. Like so many who experience the event, Ryden is deeply moved by the stories shared by participants. (Tracy Rousseau photo)

This was my third year at the Dempsey Challenge. All three years, I have participated in the Challenge in very different ways.  All from the perspective of Storyteller. My first year I covered the Dempsey Challenge as a journalist from Channel 8; the past two years as a marketing and video production professional at Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick.  What binds the three years are the stories, so many stories that I have heard and recorded along the many routes that comprise the Dempsey Challenge: the running, walking, cycling routes that dot the Maine countryside.

As a Storyteller, the most difficult part of the Challenge is not being able to hear, and record, everyone’s story. They are all, without a doubt rich, mixed with stirring, tragic, triumphant details.

One story shook me to the core. It happened on Sunday, while my videographer and I were traveling the 100 mile loop of the cycling event. The route extends from Lewiston west to Harrison, at the furthest end of Long Lake.  En route, we stopped at rest areas, talking with volunteers as they handed out much appreciated bottles of water and Gatorade, plus fruits, energy gel-packs, sandwiches and bars. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a photo of a beautiful brunette with smiling eyes planted on the back of a cyclist’s racing shirt. The man, in his late 30’s was quick to share his story.

The beautiful brunette was his wife. She was 32 when a rare form of cancer stole her from this life. She left him with four children. Four young children. “They were 1, 3, 5 and 7 when she died.” I felt that I’d been kicked in the stomach. My eyes welled up and I asked, “So, you are raising them on your own?”  He answered that he’s lucky.  He has family and friends around and he relies on all of their help.  But he’s lonely.  His eyes told me that. “It’s hard.  But I do it. I do it for the kids. I do it for my wife,” he said. He also told me he carried her in his heart, every mile of the way. I told him she’d be proud of him. He smiled and thanked me.  And then he pedaled off, back on his 100 mile journey.

At another stop I met up with two cyclists who were riding for a woman who’s become a friend of mine:  Angela. They all work together at Bath Iron Works. So far, they’ve raised $5,000. They’re determined to raise more. But it doesn’t end there. Angela’s cancer requires her to drive down to Boston every other week so she can take part in trial tests at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The tests take two days which means Angela must stay in a hotel for the overnight. Although she’s worked at BIW and been paid through her five year battle with Stage 4 breast cancer, the additional hotel bills are, Angela admits, difficult to cover. “So, we decided to pool our money together,” one of the “Team Angela” cyclists shared with me. “We told Angela that we didn’t want her to pay for her hotel. We’d take care of that bill.” And, they’ve followed through with that promise.

Every week, more than a handful of employees at BIW give up part of their paycheck, and have it re-routed to Angela. “I can’t imagine what she’s going through. She shouldn’t have to worry about a hotel bill. She’d do the same for us,” reflected a second cyclist. Angela later told me that these co-workers are more like family to her than mere work buddies. “I don’t know how I could have gotten this far without them. My cancer has spread to my liver and they are all behind me 100 percent. They’re amazing.” In this storyteller’s eyes, every side of that equation is amazing.

Following year one, year two, and now year three of the Dempsey Challenge, I have found that the stories hang onto me. I dive back into my own life yet cannot clear the many amazing images from the Challenge that pop into my head as I drive, as I do the laundry, as I cook dinner. In the mundane, I am moved by the profound stories I was honored to hear, to record.  I am in awe of these men, women and children who, through absolute horror, and pain, and struggle, carry themselves with grace, uncompromising grace. And courage. Most of all, they carry with them an unflappable quality of hope that somehow gets them through this day and the next, until we see them at the next Dempsey Challenge.

With the help of recycling sponsor Poland Spring, the Dempsey Challenge was able to reduce its environmental impact and contribute a significant amount of food to those in need.

Over $1 million in fundraising, 3,834 participants and more than 600 volunteers were not the only big numbers reported for this year’s Dempsey Challenge, a two-day run, walk and cycling fundraiser held Oct. 8-9 in Lewiston, Maine: recycling and composting volumes were also impressive.

“We take recycling seriously,” said event coordinator Julia Harper. “When we bring thousands of people to our community we want to be responsible about our environmental impact. We’re thankful to have the support of Poland Spring to build a great recycling program.”  For the second year, Poland Spring was the official water and proud sponsor of the Dempsey Challenge Recycling Program. “Because Poland Spring uses a renewable natural resource that relies on a clean environment, we’re continually striving to lighten our footprint. We were proud to be the recycling sponsor for the Dempsey Challenge again this year to help ensure that our bottles and other recyclable materials could have a second life,” said Heather McBean, Poland Spring’s Education and Outreach Manager.

One ton of cardboard and 3,700 bottles and cans were recycled, along with 500 old running shoes donated by participants that will be transformed into new playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts via the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program. Local food pantries and soup kitchens accepted 2.5 pallets of donated non-perishable and raw food. One ton of food waste, including 2,000 lobster shells, became compost for Valley View Farm in Auburn. “It’s a really beautiful thing when we can divert this much organic waste from the landfill and also contribute to the success of our local food economy,” said Harper.

Other measures taken to make the event more environmentally friendly included bike valet parking and a new partnership with Brunswick, Maine-based apparel vendor, Atayne, which produces running and cycling jerseys made solely from recycled plastic bottles. In addition to Poland Spring, strong recycling supporters also include Central Maine Medical Center, the Maine State Planning Office and over 60 Green Team volunteers.

The fourth annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen is scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14. A $10 registration discount is available for a limited time. The event offers a 5K and  10K run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 13 and cycling distances of 10, 25, 50, 70, or 100 miles on Sunday, Oct. 14. Registration is available through the event website at www.demspeychallenge.org.  For more information about how to become involved in the Dempsey Challenge recycling plans, or for questions, suggestions or feedback, please email harperju@cmhc.org.

Patrick Dempsey crosses the finish line during the third annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen.

The third annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen attracted 3,834 runners, walkers and cyclists from 34 states, plus Canada, Dubai, Germany and Switzerland; and raised over one million dollars to benefit The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. The events took place during the weekend of Oct .8-9 at Simard-Payne Park in Lewiston, Maine.

The L.L.Bean 5K and 10K run/walk events took place on Saturday, Oct. 8, followed by Fundraising Rides of 10-, 25-, 50-, 70- and 100-miles presented by Exergy Development Group the following day. Other highlights included the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk, Auburn Firefighters Local 797 Kids’ Fun Run and the free, family-friendly Festival in the Park which included the Concentra Health and Wellness Expo and live entertainment.

Actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey created the event to serve as the primary fundraising vehicle for the Center, which opened its doors in March 2008, and provides free support, education and wellness services to anyone affected by cancer regardless of where treatment is received. Dempsey participated in weekend festivities and pedaled the 50-mile route alongside professional cyclists Levi Leipheimer, Tom Danielson, Freddie Rodriguez, Bernhard Eisel, Coryn Rivera, Kristin McGrath and former pros Davis and Connie Phinney.

Top fundraisers were honored at the Champions for Hope Celebration on Saturday night. Harold Marden of Lewiston earned individual honors with $10,316 while the Buddha Rubbers totaled $23,380, taking the top team award for the second straight year. Of the 381 fundraising teams, The Maine Cycling Club recruited the most team members with 69 and Ainsley Smart received contributions from the most donors (236).

Dustin Bisson led the way for Positive Tracks fundraising. The new initiative, made possible though a generous grant through Jane’s Trust and supporting partners, matches the fundraising of youth ages 23-or-under, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Bisson, a 15-year-old race car driver from Greene, raised $6,700 selling bracelets, which contained 18 beads – each representing a different type of cancer. Team Positive Traction led the way for youth-oriented teams with $8,200.

Mother of five and 22-year cancer survivor Laura Davis was presented with the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Award, which is presented to a survivor from the region who, among other qualities, demonstrates a passion for helping others.

“The true blessing for me was to share the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer award with the thousands of people whose lives have been touched by cancer and who came out to the Dempsey Challenge,” said Davis. “Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer really advocates that every cancer patient is a survivor from the time of diagnosis through the balance of their lives, no matter how long that may be. It is this concept that allows us, as cancer survivors, to provide inspiration and hope to each other.”

The 2012 Dempsey Challenge is scheduled for Oct. 13 and 14. Registration is available through the event website http://www.dempseychallenge.org/

Laura Davis, a 22-year cancer survivor from Buckfield, Maine is a worthy recipient of the 2011 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Award.

Mother of five and 22-year cancer survivor Laura Davis of Buckfield, Maine, has been named the 2011 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Survivor Award winner. The award is given to a cancer survivor involved in Central Maine community outreach and demonstrates a passion for helping others with cancer. It is presented in conjunction with the annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen, the primary fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.

Davis was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when her first-born daughter, Sarah, was just four weeks old and has dealt with six additional diagnoses over the years.

“It is such an incredible honor to be recognized by Amgen with the Breakaway From Cancer Survivor Award,” said Davis. “As a 22-year survivor, there have been so many points in my life when I have needed an entire survival team of people – doctors, nurses, social workers, and of course my amazing family and friends, to overcome this disease. It has taken all of us to make the difference in our community and I would encourage anyone whose life has been touched by cancer to find a way to get involved.”

Davis and her husband, Peter Rinck, own Rinck Advertising in Auburn, Maine. The agency has donated marketing and advertising services, hundreds of volunteer hours and raised thousands of dollars for both the Dempsey Challenge and the Maine Cancer Foundation. In 2010, Rinck Advertising began work on a branded Dempsey Challenge marketing campaign and produced the documentary film, Badge of Honor, which features in-depth interviews with Patrick Dempsey, his sister Mary, cancer survivors and Dempsey Center staff. The eight-minute film is available for viewing at dempseychallenge.org.

In 2010, Davis began the ‘I Hate Cancer’ independent fundraising effort, selling merchandise to benefit the Dempsey Center. The edgy t-shirts and bracelets may be purchased online at http://rinckadvertising.com/ihatecancerstore. In addition, this year, Davis partnered with award-winning tattoo artist, James McGrory of Fianna Studios in Portland to provide a free tattoo to a cancer survivor to commemorate their survivorship.

“Laura Davis’ energy and passion exemplifies the spirit of Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative,” said Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “She is a true champion for the cancer cause in the greater Lewiston community and beyond.”

“Laura’s advocacy for those affected by cancer is nothing short of inspirational. She has taken her own life-changing diagnosis and used it as an impetus for improving the lives of countless individuals and communities affected by the disease. Her extensive and dedicated involvement with the Dempsey Challenge, Dempsey Center, Maine Cancer Foundation and Tri for the Cure made her a worthy recipient of this award.” said Dempsey Challenge Event Manager, Aimee Arsenault.

Davis will formally accept the award on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Champions for Hope Celebration, which recognizes the fundraising efforts of Dempsey Challenge participants. Past winners include Carlene Sperry, Allen Lariviere and Scott Thomas.

As part of Dempsey Challenge weekend, Amgen and The Dempsey Challenge invite all cancer patients, survivors and their families to walk with actor Patrick Dempsey in the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk on Saturday, October 8 at 10 a.m. at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston. The walk is free to the public and there is no need to pre-register. Participants are encouraged to check-in by 9:45 a.m. at the Dempsey Center Spirit of Hope Tent in the Park.

Founded in 2005 by Amgen, Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer — from prevention through survivorship.

Breakaway from Cancer represents a partnership between Amgen and four nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering patients with education, resources and hope, wherever they may be in the cancer care continuum. For more information, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com

For more information on the Dempsey Challenge, please visit www.dempseychallenge.org.

Giving visiting cyclists participating in the Dempsey Challenge a taste of L/A hospitality, the Maine Cycling Club and the Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce will host a special warm-up ride and reception on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Simard-Paine Memorial Park. This will provide a chance to relax and loosen up after traveling, meet other cyclists and see a bit of the downtown area.

Following a leisurely-paced 10-mile ride, participants will enjoy a light reception at Museum L/A where the Chamber will “show off” the community to  guests and show that “It’s All Happening in L/A”.

The ride will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the reception will follow, lasting until 6 p.m., leaving plenty of time to go out for dinner and explore the downtown.

Participation will be limited to the first 100 riders and the cost is only $10 per person. All proceeds will benefit The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

To register go to www.mainecyclingclub.com and click on the events page under the Dempsey Get Ready Ride schedule and register online!

Rivera, 19, is one of the fastest rising stars of women’s cycling. She began riding at age 10 and is the winningest junior rider in USA history for both men and women. She’s won 32 Junior National Championship titles in road, track and cyclocross; and a pair of bronze Junior World Championship medals. She currently has her sights set on the 2016 Olympics.

McGrath, 29, won Best Young Rider and Best Amateur Rider jerseys at Nature Valley Grand Prix in 2008. She earned her first European podium in 2009 with a third place finish in the Time Trial at La Route de France and capped the season with a top-ten GC finish at Giro della Toscana. McGrath spent much of 2010 recovering from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle during a training ride.  Kristin recently won stage and placed third in the GC in the inaugural Aspen/Snowmass Pro Women’s Stage Race.

Rivera and McGrath will join fellow pros Levi Leipheimer and Tom Danielson; and former pros Davis and Connie Phinney in lending support to the event, which raised $1.1 million in 2010 to aid cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with free services offered by the Dempsey Center.

The Dempsey Challenge offers an L.L.Bean 5K and 10K run/walk on October 8 and Fundraising Rides presented by Exergy Development Group of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles on October 9. All events will begin and end at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston. Participants are encouraged to create or join teams to build camaraderie and assist their fundraising efforts. Registration is available through the event website www.dempseychallenge.org.

The weekend will include a free family-friendly Festival in the Park which plays host to the Concentra Health and Wellness Expo, Positive Tracks KidZone, vendor fair and live entertainment. Runners and walkers will enjoy the Hannaford 5 & 10K Café on Oct. 8 while cyclists are invited to take part in a participant lobster bake the following day. The Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk will take place Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.

The Auburn Firefighters Local 797 has a mission of protecting people and their property from fire and other emergencies, and currently includes three fire engines and sixty firefighters, with a 24/7 commitment to protecting the community. The Auburn Firefighters’ Children’s Fund raises thousands of dollars each year to benefit youth programs such as sports teams, school scholarships, and charitable organizations for children. The Local 797 is also a sponsor of the Greater L-A Triple Crown 5K Series Kids’ Fun Run.

The Auburn Firefighters’ partnership will benefit the Dempsey Challenge’s new Positive Tracks program, which encourages and supports community-building, wellness and philanthropy among young people ages 23-or-under. The Positive Tracks Challenge Grant for Youth program is funded by organizations throughout New England, and will match all funds raised by event participants ages 23-or-under, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. All funds fundraised through The Dempsey Challenge’s Positive Tracks program will benefit The Dempsey Center’s Healing Tree Children’s Program.

The Dempsey Challenge offers an L.L.Bean 5K and 10K run/walk on October 8 and Fundraising Rides presented by Exergy Development Group of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles on October 9. All events will begin and end at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston.

Patrick Dempsey is scheduled to participate in this year’s event alongside pro-cyclists Levi Leipheimer and Tom Danielson and former pros Davis and Connie Phinney.

The weekend will include a free family-friendly Festival in the Park which plays host to the Concentra Health and Wellness Expo, Positive Tracks KidZone, vendor fair and live entertainment. Runners and walkers will enjoy the Hannaford 5 & 10K Café on Oct. 8 while cyclists are invited to take part in a participant lobster bake the following day. The Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk will take place Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.

New for 2011 is a “superhero” theme where participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite comic book superhero or their own unique creation on Saturday, Oct. 8.  Auburn Firefighters Local 797 and Dempsey Challenge organizers invite all children participating in the Kids’ Fun Run to be a “hero” and join in the fight against cancer.

Participants are encouraged to create or join teams to build camaraderie and assist their fundraising efforts. Registration is available through the event website www.dempseychallenge.org.

Patrick Dempsey, star of TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, will be returning to Santa Rosa, California to ride in professional cyclist and Olympic medalist Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo on October 1. Leipheimer will also be attending the Dempsey Challenge, Dempsey’s run, walk and cycling event to raise money for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 9.

As community charity events, both events aim to encourage fundraising as part of the experience. Both allow individuals to raise money for their beneficiaries, whether they’ve registered to participate in the event or not, and both provide exciting incentives for raising various amounts.

There is now a new incentive strictly for fundraisers 23-or-under. Between now and September 1, 2011, the youth fundraiser that solicits the most money for the Dempsey Challenge will earn an all-expense-paid trip to Levi’s GranFondo for themselves and a guest. The GranFondo is offering a similar trip to the Dempsey Challenge for their top youth fundraiser.

“I’m very excited to be back in Santa Rosa this October for Levi’s ride,” said Patrick Dempsey. “I had a blast last year and am doubly pleased that we’re working together to get more kids on bikes and driving more resources towards the great charities both the Challenge and the GranFondo support.”

The Dempsey Challenge offers a 5K and 10K run/walk on October 8 and cycling routes of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles on October 9. All runners, walkers, and cyclists will begin and end in Dempsey’s hometown of Lewiston, Maine and enjoy a vendor expo/festival complete with a traditional Maine lobster bake. More information, including fundraising sign-ups, is at www.dempseychallenge.org.

For more information on fundraising for Levi’s GranFondo, including incentives and the diverse charities this event supports, visit www.levisgranfondo.com/fundraise.