At His Peak, Patrick Dempsey Became Caregiver for Ill Mother - They Found Strength Restoring Homes

Patrick Dempsey looked after his mother when she was battling cancer. To keep his mom active and keep her strong, they restored homes together. Later, Patrick started the Dempsey Center, helping over 2,500 cancer patients a year.

Patrick Dempsey, star of the long-running show "Grey's Anatomy" lost his mother, Amanda Dempsey, to cancer in 2014. The actor was heartbroken, of course, and shared a bit about his mom. He shared childhood memories of going out into the snow with her and how she loved being in nature.

Patrick and his mother used to go out often and spend the day outdoors. Amanda loved gardening and some of Patrick's fondest childhood memories were made in the forests of Maine. When snowstorms hit, the two would go cross-country skiing.

Patrick also tries to make the rest of his family his main priority. He shares three kids, Tallulah Fyfe and twin brothers Darby Galen and Sullivan Patrick Demspey, with his wife, Jillian Fink Dempsey. He loves having three kids and says his family is his "core."

Although his mom's diagnosis was a great shock, the actor noted that it offered something good as well.

He also mentioned that, for him, having three kids is easier than one. They keep him and his wife close, and he's thankful to have them. He also said, "I'm constantly amazed by their insight and their observations." Lately, the actor has been devoting himself to his wife and kids.

Patrick had to make a big choice when his marriage was going through a rough spot, but to keep his family, he decided to quit "Grey's Anatomy" and spend more time at home. He shared that he appreciates the time they get to spend together, adding, "It's about taking the time to take the time."

Taking Care of His Mother despite Booming Career

Patrick had to stay strong when he found out about his mother's cancer. When doctors diagnosed her, the actor knew he had to look after her and ensure she did everything to remain as healthy as possible. He also wanted to spend as much of her remaining time with her. He advised:

"The important thing is [to] make those moments count. Don't waste the time because you don't know how much time you have. We were very fortunate that we had a lot longer with her than we expected, especially with [an] ovarian cancer diagnosis."

Although his mom's diagnosis was a great shock, the actor noted that it offered something good as well. It spurred him to really get to know Amanda before she passed away. If he hadn't spent all that time looking after her, he wouldn't have had the same relationship with her as he did in the end.

Despite his highly successful acting career, the actor spent 17 years caring for his mother. His sister was also a huge help. She had experience working in hospitals and knew a few people that could help and advise them. While Mary Dempsey gathered advice, Patrick ensured his mother stayed active and healthy.

He mentioned that the stories she told him about her life helped him while he cared for her and after she passed away.

For the entire time he was looking after his mother, Patrick tried to find ways to keep her active and to keep her positive. She loved gardening and remodeling and restoring old homes, and they found doing things like this kept Amanda's mind off her illness and helped her stay fit.

She also kept doing her job for a while, which helped her feel like a contributing member of society. Keeping busy was also essential in dealing with her survivor's guilt since some people doing the same treatments passed away sooner than her. Eventually, though, she died in 2014.

Dempsey Helps 2500 Cancer Patients a Year

During his stay with his mother, Patrick realized a few things. He saw how cancer could affect people and entire families. He mentioned that the stories she told him about her life helped him while he cared for her and after she passed away. He advised others to do the same:

"Tell [your family] about your life. [The memory] brings up a lot for me. You want to know about your mom, and your kids want to know about your journey and your childhood. And they want to clear the table before [you] go."

Although his mother had successful treatment, it merely slowed the progress, and she still passed away from cancer. The therapy did give her time to bond with her children and allow them to understand the life she's led. Her time with her son also inspired him to help other people suffering like her.

In 2008, Patrick founded the Dempsey Center. Since cancer therapy is invariably expensive, the actor wanted to help the community by offering free quality-of-life treatment for cancer patients and their families. His mother even assisted in counseling at the center while she was still alive.

The center helps around 2500 people a year, and its focuses are on anyone affected by cancer. Care partners of patients and those who lost a family member due to cancer can all benefit from the work the Dempsey Center does. The president of the center explains:

"A cancer diagnosis causes a ripple effect, and affects not only the life of the patient, but also their care partner, family members, and friends. That's why we include all those individuals in our services."

Every year, the center hosts the Dempsey Challenge. The event aims to raise enough money to support the Dempsey Center and to give people the care they need. Patrick loves helping out since it reminds him of his mom. "There's so much work to be done ... and I just love the spirit of being here," he added.