Dempsey Center Communications Director Katelynn Davis answered some questions for us about this year’s Dempsey Challenge, which kicks off Sept. 20 in Lewiston, including Patrick’s whereabouts, what’s new this year and what happened to the Survivor Walk.

What seems to be the most popular routes so far this year?

For the rides, the 25-mile route continues to be our most popular route, followed by the 65-mile (metric century) route. We have the most Challengers taking on the 5K walk.

Has the new gravel ride garnered a lot of interest?

There has been piqued interest in the gravel ride as its popularity grows generally in the cycling community. It being our first year, we hope that this route will continue to grow as more people become interested and we fine-tune our route. We are grateful to Kyle Rancourt at Pinebury for all of his assistance and insight on this new route.

Can you talk a little more about changing the Survivor Walk to an Honor Walk? Does this change who walks in that ceremony?

For years we have held the Survivor Walk on Dempsey Challenge day, honoring those impacted by a cancer diagnosis. As we have listened to clients, Challengers and other people impacted by cancer, we learned that many people don’t identify or align themselves with the word “survivor.” We wanted to make sure that we were being inclusive of everyone and how they want to identify themselves in relation to their cancer journey. The Honor Walk also opens this moment to bereaved individuals and families, care partners and anyone who wants to take a moment to honor someone they know impacted by a diagnosis — reflecting the support we provide at the Dempsey Center to anyone impacted.

Will Patrick Dempsey be there all day for the events? 

Patrick is set to be at Dempsey Challenge all weekend: at Night of Love + Light (formerly known as Champions for Hope) on Friday, in the park on Saturday, and taking on a cycling route. He will be a part of opening and closing ceremonies.

Is he bringing any special guests this year?

Not at this point in time.

What is this year’s fundraising goal?

We have raised $1.9 million — and we are thrilled to have hit $1 million on Sept. 1. As always, each and every dollar raised by Challengers goes directly to supporting the programs that we offer at the Dempsey Center. This support allows our services to be provided at no cost to those who access them, alleviating the financial burden of accessing these crucial supportive care opportunities.

Is attendance this year expected to be above or below normal? 

Our goal has been to have over 2,200 people participate in person in Lewiston, Maine. We expect participation to be in line with the last few years. Participation has been trending downward since returning from the COVID-19 pandemic, but fundraising support has increased.

Is there anything else new about this year’s event that people should know about? 

While not new this year, Jibe Cycling will be back in Simard-Payne Park with their Spinathon, also benefitting the Dempsey Center. Participants can form a team to participate all day in the Spin Tent, or you can sign up on Dempsey Challenge Day to participate in a spin class.

We also need volunteers. People can learn more about volunteering at DempseyChallenge.org.