LEWISTON —  Two-time melanoma survivor Dr. James Campbell of Dover, N.H. has been named the 2015 Amanda Dempsey Award Winner presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer.

Named in memory of Amanda Dempsey, the award is given annually to a cancer survivor who demonstrates a passion for helping others with cancer in the state of Maine. It is presented in conjunction with the annual Dempsey Challenge, the primary fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

Campbell is a practicing dermatologist who, because of his own experience, is passionate about the detection, treatment, and prevention of skin cancer. As the founder of Dermatology and Skin Health, he understands that skin cancer can kill if not caught early. He believes that access to skin cancer screenings and removal of suspicious moles should never be determined by insurance coverage, so it is his policy to see all patients concerned about a suspicious growth regardless of insurance coverage. Campbell is an active participant in the American Academy of Dermatology-sponsored skin cancer screening clinics each May, giving patients in southern Maine and seacoast New Hampshire access to free skin cancer screenings.

Campbell has been a driving force in developing educational programs for children. In 2014, he was instrumental in the creation of “Make Big Change,” an action-oriented non-profit dedicated to increasing social awareness, educating school-age children, and preventing skin cancer. He has also spearheaded the Global Sunscreen Initiative, through which Make Big Change places free sunscreen dispensing devices throughout New England, including this year’s Dempsey Challenge, Oct. 17 and 18. “Preventing skin cancer comes not only through education and increasing social awareness, but also through the simple act of having access to free sunscreen,” Campbell said.

“I am surprised, humbled and honored to be recognized by such a wonderful group who understands the full range of cancer care: prevention, detection and support,” said Campbell.

Campbell will formally accept the award on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Champions for Hope Celebration, which recognizes the fundraising efforts of Dempsey Challenge participants. Past award winners include Nel Bernard, Hailey Sontag, Kristen Short, Laura Davis, Scott Thomas, Carlene Sperry and Allen Lariviere.