Patrick Dempsey

Shannon Gilmartin | A fan prespective on the Dempsey Challenge

Shannon is an inspiration in her quest to become the highest fund raiser for the Dempsey Challenge. It was through that quest that many of us became friends with her and encouraged her through her ride. She was rewarded nicely for raising so much money for the center and we all look forward to being a part of this next year!

So we arrived Friday and went straight to registration, picked up our packets and went to the hotel.  Dinner that night, then up the next morning, breakfast, and off to the private ride. It was a beautiful rural setting.  Got there, and got my bike set up, chatted with a few of the Specialized folks who were there taking care of all the bikes, and some of the Dempsey Challenge folks as well.  Everyone was super nice. 

 Soon Patrick Dempsey, some friends. etc and some of the pro riders showed up. They as well were gracious, friendly, got to chat a bit with Patrick and a couple of the pro riders. It was raining but that didn’t matter.  Everyone suited up and we did some different group pictures.  The private ride was great, how often does a mere mortal like me get to ride with the likes of George Hincapie and crew?  It was a great ride, even in the rain.  We did a little over 20 miles that morning.  It was something I will always remember and treasure.

 There was a lunch reception after that, and I chatted briefly about the ride with PD. 

Saturday night was the dinner/reception.  Caught up for a bit with Christy there.  It was  a great reception and dinner, and then I had to go on stage for being top fundraiser.  Got a little nervous but managed to give a little speech on stage when handed a microphone to talk about my reason for being there.  I guess it never really occurred to me that I might have to speak on stage.  

Sunday morning we got up early, had a little breakfast at the B&B and headed down to the park where the ride started.  We lined up right the front because that is where the 100 milers lined up, and we were right in front of the stage for the announcements and PD’s speech. It was great to be in the midst of all these people who all came together for this wonderful cause.  So many people who had stories to tell theirs or a loved-one’s story of cancer.  And they all came out to help make things better for patients and their families who have to deal with that now and in the future.  Wow!  Talk about emotional.  Had tears in my eyes as I heard the opening speeches and the national anthem.  

  The ride got started a little late (I imagine something to do with getting streets blocked off in time or something, but not 100% sure), about 15 minutes delay.  At that point, I was just ready to GO!  When we did start, they started the Dempsey Group (Patrick and his friends) who were mostly doing the 50 first, then the 100 milers, the rest of the 50 milers, the 25 milers, the 10 milers and the the 5K runners/walkers I think. 

 I left with the 100 mile group, so I don’t know for sure how they spaced the start but I think just a couple of minutes between groups.  For us we were not going to push too hard especially at the beginning.  So, we just kind of cruised along at 14 or 15 miles per hour for the most part.   We knew the big climbs were coming at 22 miles for the first BIG hill.  Well, at mile 9, my hubby got a flat.  We (well actually he) spent about 20-25 minutes fixing that as it was being difficult.  Lots of flats because the rain the day before made for wet roads, which made the rocks stick to the tires more, which led to MANY people with flats.   Anyhow, they had a check point at 30 miles. You had to make that before 11 to be able to continue on the 100 mile route, between the delayed start and flat, we passed the point at 11:13 and we re-routed to a shorter, 70 mile course.  We were both a bit disheartened at that point.  All that we had trained for over the last 6 months was not going to happen. What kept me going however, was more powerful than the disappointment at knowing no matter what, I would not be completing the 100 miles today, it was the amazing feeling as we rode past the people who lined the roads.  Some on the street some in their own driveways.  

One lady in particular stood out to me.  She was an older woman standing there with a sign that said “Thank you.  I am a survivor.”  She had a smile on her face, a tear in her eye, and thanked us as we went by her.  It really brought tears to my eyes to see people being so directly affected by the work done by this center. 

 The story behind the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing  immediately drew me in.  That is why I chose to do this ride.  Fighting Cancer is more than a battle to fight a disease.  There is so much more that happens for the victim and their families, and I think it is beautiful that this center serves more than just the immediate physical needs of the cancer patients.  I wish that these things had been around for those that I have lost to cancer in the past.  The services could have really changed their quality of life when they were suffering the worst times of their lives.  It was a really wonderful event and I look forward to doing it for many years to come.

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