LEWISTON — It took nine minutes for thousands of people to stream across the starting line early Saturday morning under brightening skies for the start of the fifth annual Dempsey Challenge. From a nearby stage, actor Patrick Dempsey cheered, waved and declared it “good to be home.” While the fundraising total won’t be announced until […]
Dempsey Challenge
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Thousands turn out to walk, run fifth annual Dempsey Challenge
LEWISTON — Jolene Schatz had a double mastectomy 18 months ago, just in case. Doctors had warned her: Breast cancer was so common in her family, it was probably just a matter of time. “They said she would get cancer if she didn’t do anything about it,” said her husband, Jonathan. The Old Orchard Beach […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Dempsey fundraising total hits $1 million before start of weekend Challenge
LEWISTON — Before the first participants walked, ran or cycled at this weekend’s Dempsey Challenge, the annual event had already raised more than $1 million, organizers said Friday. “This is the second year that we have actually raised $1 million before the weekend had even started,” event manager Aimee Arsenault said. “That’s really, really encouraging.” […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Dempsey stops by the ‘Ellen DeGeneres Show’ before the Challenge
Patrick Dempsey appeared on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Thursday to drum up support for breast cancer research ahead of the Dempsey Challenge this weekend. Dempsey began the show by plugging the 200th episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” before appearing on stage wearing a pink bathrobe. Two members of the group Fall Out Boy, who performed […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Dempsey Challenge kicks off with marketplace fundraiser
LEWISTON — Here’s what it sounded like when the Dempsey Challenge Weekend got off the ground. “Oh, that’s tasty,” cooed a woman sampling a sushi roll from Sea 40. “Oh, that’s just delicious.” “Well, there,” declared a woman who just bought a big heap of jams and jellies. “I guess my Christmas shopping is officially […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Dempsey Challenge tightens security
LEWISTON — Officials plan tighter security for this weekend’s fifth annual Dempsey Challenge — scheduled to include about 3,800 participants and crowds of spectators likely to surpass 3,000 — but don’t expect bomb-sniffing dogs, Jersey barriers or metal detectors. “The phrase we’re using is ‘intelligent vigilance,’” said Aimee Arsenault, the challenge’s event manager. “We have […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
Livermore woman dedicating Dempsey Challenge to town ‘heroes’
LIVERMORE — The list of Renda Guild’s hometown heroes is long — too long to fit on one T-shirt, she said. Each has his or her own story about dealing with cancer, whether it is told by someone who has survived or one who was left behind, she said. Guild, a member of Fitness Fanatics, […]
Posted inbPlus
Face Time: Hailey Sontag — From survivor to fundraising superstar
AUBURN — When she was 6 years old, Hailey Sontag was diagnosed with brain cancer. Today, the seventh-grader at Auburn Middle School has recovered from the cancer and feels strong. She occasionally still feels the effects of the surgeries, but not enough to stop her from helping others — in a big way. Hailey has […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Dempsey is ideal figurehead, experts say
LEWISTON — Among celebrities who raise money for charities, Patrick Dempsey is one of the best, marketing experts say. The TV and movie actor’s personal connection to his cause and his continued involvement is worth a fortune, said John Mahon, a professor of management at the University of Maine and a private consultant. “You can […]