KEEPING OUR SPIRITS UP WITH PATRICK DEMPSEY

By Kay Stephens

Patrick Dempsey, most known for his role as neurosurgeon Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy is a Mainer through and through. Born in Lewiston, he grew up in the nearby towns of Turner and Buckfield before becoming an actor and starring in the 1980s films Can’t Buy Me Love and Loverboy. His ties to Maine continue to this day. After his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he founded the Dempsey Center for Quality Cancer Care with physical locations in Lewiston and South Portland, and now virtually through Dempsey Connects. And since 2009, he has organized the Dempsey Challenge, an annual run, walk, and cycle fundraising race to benefit those impacted by cancer at the Dempsey Center.

As we head into the second year of a pandemic, we at the Maine Health & Wellness Guide are looking to inspire people to find their way back to health. We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Dempsey on what he does to stay positive, healthy, and balanced as we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic this spring and summer.

Can you tell us what you are up to now and what your days in the pandemic look like?

PD: Simple days in the beginning. It was nice to be home and not flying or working— just being together as a family, and then trying to comprehend what was going on with so much unrest and fear. We truly just lay around the house and then as things progressed, a bit more anxiety grew. We then tried to keep ourselves busy with positive activities such as walks, cooking as a family, along with a lot less TV!

What outdoor recreational activity do you enjoy most in non-winter months to stay active and find fun?

PD: Cycling, walks, hikes, time at the beach.

When you’re having a down day, what’s something that picks you back up?

PD: I have found that quieting my mind really helps when I’m feeling a bit off. I found the simple task of sitting in front of a fireplace does the trick for me.

Do you practice any meditation techniques, and if so, what are they?

PD: I do. It’s important to have time to collect yourself in the morning. I like to wake up before anyone else in the house, let the dogs out, and then sit quietly. I’ve been reading a lot of Ryan Holiday's works and have found his interpretation of stoicism to be incredibly beneficial.

Being from Maine, what particular strength of Maine’s people do you connect with most?

PD: Mainers care deeply for their communities, and when people are in need, they step up and help generously. They are always last to accept help themselves, but the first to help others. I see this with the incredible support at the Dempsey Center. The Dempsey Challenge always highlights the strength of community and love that the state shows.

What is your favorite area of Maine to visit for adventure and makes you feel refreshed?

PD: The woods of Maine. The coast. I love the wildlife and Maine’s natural beauty.

This past year we embarked on a campaign called #keepourspiritsupmaine designed to encourage leaders in Maine to reveal how they found positive ways to handle the pandemic. Check out more of our Industry Snapshots on the craft brew, distilling, and Maine outdoor industries at activitymaine.com

2021 Events Calendar

Central Maine Greater Portland & Western Maine Greater Portland

DEMPSEY CHALLENGE – Opportunities for Everyone

The 2021 Dempsey Challenge will offer both in-person and virtual options to meet you where you are. Run, walk or ride on Dempsey Challenge weekend in Lewiston/Auburn, Maine ~ OR ~ run, walk or ride in your own hometown, anywhere in the world! In 2020, we successfully reimagined the Challenge as people from around the world came together to support the Dempsey Center’s mission to make life better for people impacted by cancer. Together, we move forward with the same unifying spirit as we create a new Dempsey Challenge in a new world; a Global Dempsey Challenge where we all come together on one powerful weekend in September. Register for the Local Challenge or the Global Challenge. You’ll be supported and encouraged every step of the way as you complete your own Dempsey Challenge, regardless of how you choose to participate. Please note: with safety as our priority, CDC and Maine state health practices will be followed for the in-person event. Deadline to register for the Local Challenge is September 1. To Learn more and register visit dempseychallenge.org.

PHOTO courtesy of Dempsey Challenge THE GRIND RUN COMPANY – 2021 event line-up has something for every trail lover! FMI on race status and registration thegrindrunco.com. TINY TRAIL RACE SERIES – Three 5k trail races, the first one is May 9 in Cape Elizabeth, second one is June 12 in Westbrook, and the third one is in Portland on July 10. Runners who complete all three will receive a commemorative t-shirt. FIREBIRD TRAIL RACE – September 18 – primarily on single track trails in Falmouth, ME. This is a fun, but challenging event, featuring a 13-mile course, and a 50k. Donation to a non-profit is a condition for entry. SHAWNEE PEAK ULTRA CHALLENGE – October 9 – This punishing two mile loop course has a two-hour or six-hour endurance option. No matter which you choose, the elevation will be noticeable.

MAINE TRACK CLUB 2021 RACE EVENTS

• Peaks Island Five-Miler – July 24 • Maine Marathon Half Marathon & Relay with In person & Virtual options – October 23 • Maine Track Club Turkey Trot – November 21

To check updated MTC race statuses, in-person and virtual race options, as well as register for races, visit www.mainetrackclub.com. The 2021 Cycle Your Way VIRTUAL TREK ACROSS MAINE is taking place through June 30 and encourages Trekkers to stay active and enjoy time on their bike (practicing safe social distancing) while supporting the work of the American Lung Association, including their COVID-19 Action Initiative. FMI and to register online visit: TrekAcrossMaine.org and follow the prompts to complete your registration.

PHOTO courtesy of Trek Across Maine

At MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE, a daily dose of activity is just what the doctor ordered! As a premier provider of primary and specialty care and health insurance plans in Maine and New Hampshire, they have been preaching about the physical and mental health benefits of an active lifestyle for more than 40 years. And their Sports Medicine providers go the extra mile to help keep Mainers of all ages on the go. As a not-for-profit headquartered in Portland, Martin’s Point serves primary care patients at their seven health care centers located in Southern Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire and offer Sports Medicine in Portland and Brunswick. They also offer the only Medicare Advantage plans in Maine and New Hampshire to achieve a 5-star rating from Medicare for 2021, and highly rated TRICARE® Prime plans for military families throughout the Northeast. Industry-recognized for the quality of both their care and coverage, Martin’s Point is driven by their mission to deliver the care every person deserves and is trusted by their patients and health plan members to put their health first.

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