Every day, people across the country receive life-altering cancer diagnoses—and with them comes a new world of stress, uncertainty, and pain. The clinical journey is demanding: long appointments, complex test results, unfamiliar language, and the weight of it all sitting heavily on patients and their families. In this whirlwind, what’s often missing is support that sees the whole person—not just the disease.
Despite remarkable advances in treatment, most cancer care systems don’t address the full picture. Emotional distress, financial strain, caregiver burnout, and isolation are common—and too often go untreated. These stressors can take a serious toll on a person’s ability to stay well, manage side effects, and continue treatment.
One of the most devastating effects is what’s known as [link story] financial toxicity—a stark reality for many people living with cancer and their loved ones. Defined as the convergence of high out-of-pocket costs with the emotional and economic strain of a serious illness, financial toxicity can affect treatment decisions, mental health, and overall quality of life. As the cost of care rises, too many patients are forced to choose between medications and meals, or between showing up for treatment and staying afloat financially.
That’s where the Dempsey Center steps in. They understand how critical it is for everyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to receive supportive care and to know they won’t be indebted for doing so.
The Dempsey Center offers a wide range of supportive services—from counseling and nutrition to integrative therapies, fitness programs, and caregiver support and the most important thing to know is this: it’s all completely free of charge.
This isn’t just generous. It’s intentional.
By removing financial barriers, the Dempsey Center relieves one of the heaviest burdens that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. This model allows patients and families to access the care they need—emotional, physical, and psychological—without the added strain of how they’ll afford it.
The Dempsey Center was founded by actor and philanthropist Patrick Dempsey in 2008 in honor of his mother, Amanda. It began in a small hospital room, offering comfort items, mental health counseling, and educational workshops. Today, it operates two home locations in Miane: Lewiston and Westbrook; Clayton’s House, a hospitality home in Portland, Maine; and a fully virtual, worldwide center called Dempsey Connects.
Each year, the Dempsey Center walks alongside thousands of individuals and families through their cancer journeys. Whether it’s a survivor rebuilding strength through massage and movement, a caregiver finding solace in a support group, or a family resting at Clayton’s House between treatments—the impact is deeply felt.
Loren, a caregiver to his wife Pamela, shared, “If it wasn’t for Clayton’s House, we would not be able to have the care and treatment that she is receiving currently.” Others point to the comfort of simply being seen and supported.
“Cancer is truly, deeply, agonizingly horrible, and having the support of the Dempsey Center has been helpful to us in surviving.” —Client, via Dempsey Center’s Annual Client Experience Survey
This level of care is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, philanthropic corporate partners, in-kind contributors, and grants and gifts from foundations.
In 2024, the Dempsey Center served 2,300 clients who accessed over 19,000 visits to the expansive services provided both in-person and virtually. Approximately half of these clients made less than the Maine average of $74,000, and more than 62% of clients are considered low-to-moderate income. With cancer-related costs often exceeding 20% of a typical patient’s income, the need for no-cost support in Maine—and throughout the world—is critical.
Across all locations and services, the goal is the same: to provide all individuals impacted by cancer, whether a cancer patient, survivor, care partner, family member, or friend and regardless of where they are on their journey, a space to find comfort, compassion, and choice every step of the way—all at no cost.
At The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, we believe that supportive care for serious illnesses like cancer should be the standard—not the exception. Across the country, we’ve partnered with organizations advancing equitable access to supportive care—expanding education, navigation, community connection, and systemic policy change. Together, we’re building a future where people with cancer aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. And they’re doing so with care that sees them fully. Learn more about the Together For Supportive Cancer Care Coalition here.
The History of the Dempsey Center
After watching his mother’s journey with ovarian cancer, actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey wanted to make a space where those impacted by cancer could find relief, comfort, and resources. The Dempsey Center opened its doors in 2008 and today provides care and support to thousands of individuals and their families. Find out more here.
By Reka Robinson, Communications Manager, in collaboration with Katelyn Davis, Marketing and Communications Director at Dempsey Center