PORTLAND — Maine-born actor Patrick Dempsey is returning to the state this weekend to receive an award for his leadership in caring for cancer patients

Dempsey, most famous for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” is scheduled to receive the Maine Creative Industries Award on Saturday in Portland.

He helped found the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. He was driven by his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer. Amanda Dempsey died in March at age 77.

Dempsey tells the Portland Press Herald his mother’s death, while a “body blow,” has strengthened his resolve.

The award is given by the nonprofit Maine Center for Creativity and recognizes those who exemplify Maine’s reputation as a state where “arts and enterprise” thrive.