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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2026 |
Lewiston, ME— A new symbol of support will roll into the Dempsey Challenge this Saturday. Attendees will be among the first to see The Defender, a uniquely designed snowplow created to raise awareness about access to cancer care across Maine.
The collaboration between the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) and the Dempsey Center brings one of Maine’s most visible winter symbols into the spotlight, symbolizing the path to care that many Maine families travel every day. The Defender will be featured during a special public Touch A Truck experience on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Lewiston.
Designed to highlight the connection between safe winter travel and access to cancer support services, The Defender represents MTA’s Clearing the Way to Care campaign. The campaign underscores how reliable roads help ensure Maine patients and caregivers can reach essential cancer support services. The Defender stands as a moving symbol of connection — between patients and accessible care, between safe roads and resilience, and between two organizations united in their dedication to the people of Maine.
Saturday: Public Touch A Truck Experience
Families and participants can get an up‑close look at the new snowplow at the Dempsey Challenge near the starting line. Kids and adults alike will have the chance to take photos, meet MTA snowplow drivers, and learn what it’s like to keep the Maine Turnpike clear during a storm.
Brandon Barker, winner of the 53rd Annual Nitro Trailers Oxford 250 — one of New England’s most prestigious stock car races — will join the MTA Street Team throughout the morning. Barker works for the Maine Turnpike Authority and is also a snowplow driver.
“This snowplow truck symbolizes the strength of Mainers and the compassion that drives them,” said Andre Briere, executive director of MTA. “Safe, reliable roads are essential for every Mainer.”
Briere, who recently completed his first year as executive director after being appointed in April 2025, noted the importance of collaboration among Maine’s leaders. He emphasized that the partnership reflects the local‑level investment at the heart of the We Serve Maine ethos. “By teaming up with service‑centric organizations like the Dempsey Center, we’re demonstrating how two organizations with very different daily operations can stand shoulder to shoulder and redefine what is possible when community‑focused leaders think creatively to support the people of Maine.”
This year also marks a milestone for the Dempsey Center’s leadership. Although he has held key roles at past Dempsey Challenges — including serving as interim president from February to October 2025 — this year marks Brandon Hotham’s first Challenge as the officially appointed president and chief experience officer.
“This partnership with the Maine Turnpike Authority is a powerful reminder that caring for our communities takes all of us,” said Hotham. “We’re grateful to MTA for helping us shine a light on the importance of access to cancer support and for helping clear the way for people impacted by cancer.”
MTA’s heavy‑duty plow trucks, equipped with computer‑controlled material spreaders, take on the responsibility of keeping Maine’s busiest corridor safe throughout the winter. “We’re proud to carry the Dempsey Center’s message up and down Maine’s Turnpike all winter long,” Briere added. “Together, we’re clearing a path — literally and figuratively — for the people of Maine.”
Friday: Truck Reveal for Media Coverage
The Defender will make its first appearance on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Dempsey Challenge starting line for a media unveiling. While the full design will remain under wraps until then, MTA hints that the truck pays tribute to Maine’s own version of everyday heroes.
Dempsey Center services are offered at no cost to Maine patients, survivors, care partners, and family members, regardless of where they receive medical treatment. The focus is on quality-of-life care that complements traditional medical treatments by tending to the emotional, social, and physical toll of cancer. Locations include Lewiston and the Greater Portland area—including the newest facility at Westbrook’s Rock Row Health Campus—alongside virtual offerings available statewide. The new Rock Row Health Campus in Westbrook is accessed via Exit 47 on the Maine Turnpike (I‑95).
About the Dempsey Challenge
The Dempsey Challenge is celebrating its 18th annual event, bringing together people from all over the world to Lewiston, Maine in support of people impacted by cancer. People can participate by running, walking, riding, volunteering, and cheering Challengers on. Taking place on Saturday, September 19th, Dempsey Challenge has a goal of raising $1.9 million to support the mission of the Dempsey Center. Learn more by visiting www.DempseyChallenge.org
About the Dempsey Center
Comfort through compassion, connection, and choice. The Dempsey Center was founded by actor, Patrick Dempsey, in 2008 after his mother’s experience with cancer and as a way to give back to his hometown community of Lewiston, Maine. Today, the Dempsey Center has grown to two locations in Lewiston and Westbrook, Maine, a hospitality home in Portland, Maine, and has adapted to providing robust support virtually via Dempsey Connects. Our programs provide a wide range of supportive cancer care that address the physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being of people impacted by cancer. All services are provided at no cost to cancer patients, survivors, care partners, family members, and friends. Learn more by visiting DempseyCenter.org.
About MTA Winter Operations
MTA operates 81 snowplows during winter storms. These highly specialized crews clear 668 lane miles of highway, including 23 interchanges, 5 service plazas, and the Kittery Rest Area, spanning from Kittery to the end of the Turnpike at mile 109 in Augusta. Maine averages 35–40 storm events each winter, and it typically takes approximately 45 minutes to clear ice and snow during inclement weather along an average plow route. Maintenance facilities, with both day and night winter storm patrol, are stationed in York, Kennebunk, South Portland, Gray, Auburn, Litchfield, and West Gardiner.
Photo
Disclaimer: Image generated using artificial intelligence creative and does not depict the actual truck that will be unveiled. It is a conceptual representation for illustrative purposes only.