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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2026 |
Lewiston, ME—The Maine Turnpike Authority officially welcomed its newest snowplow during a celebratory unveiling Friday morning at the Dempsey Challenge starting line in Lewiston. Designed as a rolling tribute to Maine’s everyday heroes “The Defender” represents the shared mission of the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Dempsey Center: helping Mainers safely reach the care and support they need, throughout the year.
Heather Plati, Senior Director of Development at the Dempsey Center welcomed attendees to the unveiling. She recalled their reaction when the idea was first pitched: “Turning a massive plow truck into a piece of public art to raise awareness for cancer support was bold, creative and the kind of challenge that absolutely energizes our mission. We are thrilled to partner with the Maine Turnpike Authority to serve the people of Maine and help clear the way to care.”
The Defender represents MTA’s Clearing the Way to Care campaign and serves 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.
Snowplow driver Michael Somerset shared what the moment meant to him as a member of MTA maintenance. “After three decades of driving across the U.S. and Canada, no truck has carried as much meaning.”
“It’s not about the power of the engine or how much snow it can clear. It’s about what it represents,” Somerset said, noting the bracelet he wears to honor his late mother, Darlene, who passed away from breast cancer. “When I’m plowing, I think about her. And I think about the people driving to care for someone they love, or driving to get care themselves. Safe, plowed roads matter for them.”
Somerset emphasized that the meaning goes beyond his personal connection. “MTA’s maintenance crews work with deep intention to keep Maine’s most traveled corridor safe. On behalf of all our drivers, we’re proud to drive this truck — and proud to serve the people of Maine,” he said.
Brandon Hotham, Dempsey Center President and Chief Experience Officer, took the stage and highlighted the role both organizations can play in removing barriers for people navigating cancer treatment and recovery. “We believe that in Maine and beyond, there should be as few barriers as possible to accessing our services. We provide supportive cancer care at no cost, including counseling, support groups, complementary therapies, nutrition and other programs that help people navigate life during and after treatment. This partnership helps raise awareness about who we are and what we offer, while the Maine Turnpike Authority helps keep roadways safe and clear so that cancer patients and families can access timely treatment and supportive care.”
MTA Executive Director Andre Briere spoke about the significance of the Clearing the Way to Care campaign. Reflecting on his first year with MTA, Briere described how Maine’s leaders and organizations are united by a shared community, even when their day to day work looks very different. “This truck is more than snow removal equipment,” Briere said. “It represents something bigger: Maine people should be able to get where they need to go — and access the care they need — even in Maine winters.”
Briere called out the heroes The Defender was designed to embody: caregivers, nurses, and emergency responders, and the maintenance professionals who keep the roads clear for those traveling to essential care.
The Defender was officially welcomed to MTA’s fleet as it made its debut on Oxford Street, traveling toward the Dempsey Challenge starting line between MTA employees and attendees waving pink flags. With its green and amber lights flashing and vivid pink, comic-book-inspired artwork set against MTA’s signature bright yellow plow, The Defender brought the spirit of Clearing the Way to Care to life. Behind the wheel was MTA employee and recent Oxford 250 winner Brandon Barker, who drove The Defender into its new role: keeping Mainers moving safely through Maine winters while carrying a visible reminder of the people who help clear the way to care.
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Saturday: Meet The Defender
On race day, Saturday, Sept. 19, families and participants can get an up close look at The Defender, which will be stationed near the Dempsey Challenge 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.
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A Moving Piece of Art
The Defender was designed to be bold, unexpected and full of meaning. Its vibrant pink finish and comic-book-inspired texture draw on the classic visual language of heroes, giving the plow an energetic, larger-than-life feel. Rather than relying on the traditional shade of pink associated specifically with breast cancer awareness, the design uses a brighter, more expressive palette to reflect the Dempsey Center’s inclusive mission of providing no-cost services to people impacted by all types of cancer.
The creative approach also draws inspiration from public art: something accessible, engaging and meant to be experienced by everyone. With the Dempsey Center’s newest location at Rock Row, a modern community gathering place, The Defender carries that same sense of energy and connection out onto Maine’s roads and into communities across the state.
Throughout the design, individual elements reinforce the story behind the partnership. A sweeping white ribbon represents all types of cancer and the importance of helping people access care and support. The shield surrounding The Defender name represents the many people who help clear the way to care: patients and survivors facing cancer with strength and resilience; caregivers and loved ones supporting them along the way; Dempsey Center staff providing care, resources and support; and MTA maintenance crews who keep Maine’s roads safe and Mainers moving. Together, they embody the idea behind The Defender: people showing up to help clear the way for others. The Dempsey Center logo takes a prominent position on the hood, putting its mission and services at the forefront, while “Clearing the Way to Care” on the cab serves as the unifying message for the partnership.
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