Mary Dempsey

Mary Dempsey, Assistant Director of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Lewiston, received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from St. Joseph’s College in Standish at the school’s 102nd Commencement on Saturday, May 9.

Along with her brother, Patrick, Dempsey founded the Dempsey Center in 2008 in collaboration with Central Maine Medical Center as the family navigated the cancer journey of their mother, Amanda, who passed away in 2014. The center was created as a resource to help others impacted by cancer to navigate their own journeys.

Dempsey has been an integral part of the center since its inception. She currently manages its community groups and volunteer groups for comfort items and has been instrumental in growing the volunteer program from three to over 200 volunteers.

In presenting her with the degree, St. Joseph’s President Jim Dlugos said, “You took the pain and frustration of your own personal experience and turned it into something that has now helped thousands.”

“I am beyond honored and humbled in appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime award highlighting the Dempsey Center and the work that is done there,” Dempsey said. “The fact that it was presented on Mother’s Day weekend – knowing that our Mom was watching – only added to the excitement.” All services at the Dempsey Center are offered free of charge. For more information, call 795-8250 or see dempseycenter.org.