The reality is that many people, including those you might know, will face a cancer diagnosis. For Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey, this became personal when his mother was affected.

This is why the “Grey’s Anatomy” star, race car enthusiast, and humanitarian is collaborating with the American Cancer Society and Pfizer for their “Change the Odds” initiative, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging individuals to schedule their routine cancer screenings.

However, Dempsey acknowledges that making the appointment and actually following through can be a daunting task. He describes the anxiety he feels before his check-ups, stating, “A couple of times, I’ve had to cancel just because I was so anxious the night before that I couldn’t sleep. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. We often want to ignore the situation, but once you complete the screening, there’s a huge sense of relief. It’s about pushing through the fear and encouraging friends by saying, ‘I understand it’s tough, but you’ll feel so much better after it’s done.'” Recently, at 58, Dempsey underwent his prostate screening and is also due for a colon cancer check-up.

He remains deeply involved in the cancer support community through his organization, The Dempsey Center, which assists cancer patients and their families. With his personal connection to cancer and the statistic that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer at some point, this engagement seems fitting. For screening recommendations, individuals can refer to reliable sources or consult their healthcare providers.

“If people are aware of their family medical history and if they begin screenings early, the chances of survival are significantly improved,” Dempsey asserts.

‘She is always with me’

Dempsey’s mother, Amanda, went through 12 battles with cancer, creating a difficult journey for the family. She passed away in 2014, yet Dempsey has found closure and keeps her memory alive. “I feel she’s always with me, especially when I’m involved in activities at the center; I feel her presence very strongly. However, not everyone gets that closure with their loved ones, which makes our counseling services incredibly important and highly sought after.”

His grief comes and goes, influencing his endeavors. “Each time I talk to someone who has recently lost someone, it brings back memories for me. It’s essential to accept those feelings, process them, and eventually let them go. When I’m at the Center, I love being approachable and listening to others share their experiences and emotions.”

Dempsey lost his father when he was just 18, which often leads him to contemplate his own life and mortality as he cherishes his time with family. “I often think about my children and my desire to be present in their lives, particularly since I lost my father so young.”

He also welcomes signs from those he’s lost and allows affectionate memories to surface. “When I returned home, I saw a pickup truck similar to my dad’s, and I momentarily thought I spotted him alive. I drove around looking for that truck, which was a profound experience. Later, I parked and shed some tears. About a month later, I dreamed about my dad. That was the final time I expressed seeing him.”

Regarding his mother, Dempsey fondly recalls their cross-country skiing adventures together. Now, “whenever it snows, those memories come flooding back.”

Patrick Dempsey Shares Praise for His Wife Jillian and Their Kids

Beyond his screenings, how does Dempsey prioritize his health? He has abstained from alcohol for the last decade, watches his portion sizes, and incorporates more vegetables into his diet. “I try to eat kale as much as I can,” he admits, “even though it’s not my top choice.” His children keep him active; he and his wife, Jillian Dempsey, are parents to three children: Talula Fyfe Dempsey, 22, and 17-year-old twins Darby Galen Dempsey and Sullivan Patrick Dempsey.

Dempsey recognizes the value of weight training as he ages, stating, “As we grow older, maintaining bone density is vital for my 60s and hopefully my 70s. With age, I need to exercise and train to keep up.”

He is motivated to encourage cancer screenings due to his desire to stay healthy and to be present for his children as they transition into adulthood, remarking, “Watching them grow and develop into their own individuals is amazing, and I want to be a part of their lives.”

He proudly notes how his “incredible” wife could easily take the lead in speaking about their health journeys. “She managed to schedule her mammogram and colonoscopy on the same day,” he shares with admiration. “I was truly proud of her and inspired by her.”