Lewiston, Maine, Makes National Headlines for a Great Reason This Time

Lewiston, Maine's own Patrick Dempsey is the Sexiest Man Alive!

Almost 20 years after Patrick Dempsey became the world's obsession as neurosurgeon Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, we've all known this Maine native is sexy. People Magazine has announced that Patrick Dempsey is the Sexiest Man Alive! But what many Mainers know from first-hand experience is that 57-year-old Patrick is just as nice as he is sexy.

15 years ago, Patrick created the Dempsey Center in his hometown of Lewiston. At first, it was part of Central Maine Medical Center. It now is a stand-alone organization helping people get through the devastating diagnosis of cancer. Patrick did it to help his mom, who has since passed from the disease. But Patrick continues to give back with the Dempsey Challenge, raising money every year to help Mainers.

Patrick Dempsey told People Magazine,

I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life. It’s nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive.

He's a big family man. He loves his twin boys, 16-year-old Sullivan and Darby, and his wife Jillian, who is a makeup artist and founder of her own makeup line. I love Jillian's eyeliner!

Patrick didn't just slap his name on a cancer center and leave town. He's committed to helping his home state. He even came to visit a couple of boys who were raising money for his center.

He was generous with his time, and listened to stories of helping Mainers fight cancer. He posed for pictures, signed autographs, and was in the moment. It meant the world to a lot of us. It was even fun to see him get into the big pink dump truck!

People Magazine, you're late, but so spot on. Congratulations Patrick Dempsey, the Sexiest Man Alive!