Patrick Dempsey not only plays a life saver on television, but he's busy saving lives in reality too!

The Grey's Anatomy actor, who opened The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in 2008, raised $1 million over the weekend for cancer research during the two-day Dempsey Challenge!

Nearly 4,000 participents gathered near the actor's hometown in western Maine to walk, run, or cycle to raise money for fighting the disease!

The annual fundraiser requires participants to raise $150 or more then either walk/run their choice of a 5k or 10K race or cycle for up to 100 miles!

Sounds like a grueling, but rewarding workout!

For more information on the awesome charity event, including how to get involved in the future, click here!

[Image via WENN.]

Tags: awesome, charity, dempsey challenge, fighting, grey-039s anatomy, one million, patrick dempsey, patrick dempsey center for cancer hope 038 healing, research, television, western maine