Central Maine Medical Center and the Dempsey Challenge announced today that actor Patrick Dempsey's mother Amanda has passed away. Dempsey founded the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in honor of his mother, who was battling the disease.

Patrick Dempsey was born in Lewiston, Maine and grew up in Buckfield. In 1997 his mother, Amanda, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The Dempsey family approached Central Maine Medical Center in 2007 about creating a local cancer support organization. CMMC says, on its website today, that Amanda was often seen at the center, volunteering, sewing comfort items, or even cleaning up the storage closet.

For five years, Amanda donned her survival medal and led the Survivor Walk during the Dempsey Challenge Weekend. CMMC says that she was always very shy, unlike her famous son who is best known for playing Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd on the TV show 'Grey's Anatomy.'

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Dempsey family and friends.

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