LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing has outgrown itself.
Founded in 2008, the Dempsey Center in Lewiston provides free non-medical cancer services to people the disease impacts. In 2011 alone, the center counted more than 11 thousand beneficiaries.
The center started with some small office space, then used room at Central Maine Medical Center.
Now, the Dempsey Center has moved into a space five times larger: the fifth floor of 29 Lowell Square.
"When I came off the elevator [into the new facility], I was totally speechless," said Mary Dempsey, Co-Founder of the Dempsey Center and sister to Patrick Dempsey.
"It was very emotional. I could not even believe this had come true," she said.
The new facility will house the programming offered before, and have room for new services.
The center has space for yoga, massage, Reiki therapy, wig fitting, library reading and meditation.
New to the center is a kitchen and large meeting room for nutrition programs.
"It provides better access for our patients, but it also allows our staff to work in one place," said Wendy Tardif, Dempsey Center Executive Director.
"We're all excited to be under one roof," said Tardif.
For those fighting cancer, the expanded center is a symbol of on-going community support.
"All of this is happening at the right time," said Jean Libbey, entering her 15th year fighting cancer. "I think someone knew I needed this. Right now."
The Dempsey Center will have an open house on Oct. 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00.
The following Saturday and Sunday is the largest fundraiser for the center, the Dempsey Challenge.
You learn more about the Dempsey Challenge and register here.
NEWS CENTER