October 2 – 4, 2009

The Dempsey Challenge: A Journey for Hope

	Stuart Arbuckle, Carlen Sperry, Patrick Dempsey
	Stuart Arbuckle, Allen Lariviere, Patrick Dempsey

Amgen served as the presenting sponsor of The Dempsey Challenge, a cycling and 5K run/walk fundraiser and related events that took place October 2-4, 2009 in Lewiston, Maine.

Breakaway from Cancer was prominently integrated into The Dempsey Challenge through a Breakaway from Cancer parade recognizing, honoring and celebrating cancer survivors, and special Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Awards were presented by television and film actor Patrick Dempsey to Allen Lariviere and Carlene Sperry during the Oct. 3 Champions for Hope Banquet.

Allen is a lung cancer survivor, and through his tireless fundraising efforts, brought oncology treatment directly to the Rumford community at Rumford Hospital. The Lariviere Oncology Suite was dedicated in 1999 in honor of his son, Dave, who succumbed to renal cancer in 1995.

Carlene is well into her sixth year of breast cancer survivorship. She participates in many support and awareness campaigns (Buddy to Buddy activities and awareness and education walks) and has instigated various other campaigns such as the Pretty in Pink Support Group and Dance for the Cure.

The Dempsey Challenge is the primary fundraiser for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, which provides free education programs and wellness services to cancer patients, their families and caregivers.