In the whirlwind of photo shoots, acting projects, and zooming around in race cars, Patrick Dempsey still manages to carve out time for his passion project—helping others achieve their healthiest selves. Dealing with his mother’s cancer battle in the early 90s and facing multiple recurrences over the years left Dempsey feeling powerless. “I felt like I couldn’t do anything,” he shared with Men’s Health.
Fast forward to 2008, Dempsey opened the Dempsey Center, an integrative health hub for those affected by cancer in his hometown of Lewiston, Maine. The center offers support for cancer patients and their families as they navigate through their new reality. It also conducts screenings and prevention workshops for the community. Through a recent collaboration with the American Cancer Society, The Dempsey Center introduced Change the Odds—an initiative focused on reducing cancer disparities in underserved areas.
Approaching his 60s, Dempsey is reimagining what it means to be healthy for himself. In a candid chat, the actor delved into how he is safeguarding his future and inspiring others to do the same.
“My father passed away early in my life due to heart disease. My mother battled ovarian cancer in the late 90s and faced 12 recurrences over 17 years. This family history drives my focus on health. Regular cancer screenings are crucial given my genetic predisposition. It sets the foundation for my well-being. I just had some screenings done this week, and a colonoscopy is on the agenda for next month. It’s all scheduled. Understanding your family’s medical history is vital. Early screenings can make a significant difference in survival rates,” Dempsey emphasized.
However, accessing healthcare is more challenging in rural areas. With the closure of rural hospitals, reaching a doctor becomes a lengthy journey, deterring many from seeking medical help. Dempsey’s upbringing in a remote area resonates with this issue. To address this gap, he founded the Dempsey Center to offer holistic care in rural Maine, where his mother received treatment. The center goes beyond traditional healthcare, providing counseling, Reiki, acupuncture, massage, nutrition workshops, screenings, and survivorship support.
Personal health-wise, Dempsey keeps an eye on his high cholesterol levels, monitoring his diet and exercise regimen. Cycling is his go-to workout, culminating in the Dempsey Challenge, a fundraising race for the Center. Even a brief 20-minute exercise session daily can work wonders on overall well-being. The physical demands of racing cars keep him in shape, and setting annual fitness goals keeps him motivated.
Dempsey advocates for group workouts to stay accountable and motivated. Some days are tough, but pushing through the workout leaves a sense of accomplishment. Having a supportive team can make all the difference in staying on track.
In a world where cancer diagnoses are all too common, Dempsey’s commitment to health and wellness serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
