LEWISTON — Four-time melanoma survivor Nel Bernard of Poland has been named the winner of the 2014 Amanda Dempsey Award presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer.

The award, which has been renamed in memory of Amanda Dempsey, is given to a Maine cancer survivor involved in community outreach who demonstrates a passion for helping others with cancer. It is presented in conjunction with the annual Dempsey Challenge, the primary fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

As a result of his cancer journey, Bernard found himself at a crossroads in his life where he was no longer able to work as an entrepreneur as he had before his diagnosis. In 2012, as part of his effort to rebuild his life and begin a new chapter, he began volunteering as a Reiki master at the Dempsey Center. He continues to volunteer on a weekly basis and feels passionately about giving back to an organization that has played such an important role in his life and recovery.

In addition to his Reiki practice, Bernard is an accomplished stained glass artisan and the founder of Maine Art Glass Studio. In 2013, he donated his time and skill to the Dempsey Center, organizing a stained glass project for participating cancer survivors and their care givers called the Coastal Maine Mysteries Nature Cycle. The window panel depicts an oceanside vista with natural flora and fauna and is installed at the entrance of the center’s Healing Garden. His donated work can also be found at the YWCA and the Auburn Hospice House.

Bernard is currently enrolled at the New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts studying to become a licensed massage therapist specializing in cancer patients and the geriatric population.

“I see my story as one of affliction, recovery and hope and I’m honored to share my journey with others,” Bernard said. “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me and it is wonderful to be honored for doing what I believe in — supporting cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at all stages of their journey.”

Bernard will formally accept the award on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Champions for Hope Celebration, which recognizes the fundraising efforts of Dempsey Challenge participants. Past award winners include Hailey Sontag, Carlene Sperry, Allen Lariviere, Scott Thomas, Laura Davis and Kristen Short.

As part of Dempsey Challenge weekend, Amgen and the Dempsey Challenge invite all cancer patients, survivors and their families to walk with Sontag and actor Patrick Dempsey in the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at Simard-Payne Memorial Park. The walk is free to the public and there is no need to preregister. Participants are encouraged to check-in by 9:45 a.m. at the Dempsey Center Spirit of Hope Tent in the park.

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