Dempsey Challenge Brings in Over $1 Million

Over the long weekend folks biked, ran or walked for a cure.

The annual Dempsey Challenge took place over the weekend. Participants biked, ran or walked to raise money for the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. The event brought together nearly 4,000 people for the cause. Together they raised $1.1 million! Totals are still being tallied up, and should end close to $1.2 million for the center.

The event featured over 1,100 cyclists, biking 10 to 100 miles on Sunday before the closing ceremony. Patrick Dempsey himself made an appearance at the ceremony.

Patrick Dempsey plays Dr. Derek Shepherd on the show 'Grey’s Anatomy.' He started the Dempsey Challenge after his mother's battle with cancer. He founded the center in 2008.