Richard Deming, M.D
Founder & Chairman

Dr. Richard Deming is medical director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He received a bachelor’s degree at South Dakota State University and his medical degree at Creighton University. Dr. Deming is known in the community for the compassionate care he provides cancer patients and their families. He is involved in many national, state and community organizations and is the recipient of numerous awards. He was awarded the Lane Adams Award by the American Cancer Society for excellence and compassion in patient care. He is the recipient of “the one hundred” Award by Massachusetts General Hospital for his work with cancer survivors. He was awarded the Iowa Cancer Champion Award for his tireless efforts in the field of advocacy. He is dedicated to the principals of human dignity, social justice, and compassion. His greatest ambition is to encourage others to pursue lives of meaning, purpose, passion and compassion.

Chris Goodale
Executive Director

Chris Goodale has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management with an emphasis on fundraising. He spent more than 14 years at Simpson College, his alma mater, in the Office of College Advancement. He has also been involved in development work at both the Drake Law School and the University of Iowa Foundation. The start of Goodale’s nonprofit work was when he was the Executive Director of Indianola’s National Balloon Classic in the early 1990s.

As a cancer survivor himself, Chris understands first hand the issues related to cancer survivorship and the importance of Above + Beyond Cancer’s mission.  Having served as a member of the Above + Beyond Cancer Board, Chris also has a keen understanding of the inner workings of this special organization. He was drawn to this organization because it encompasses all people who have been affected by cancer survivors, as well as all of the family, friends, and medical professionals who care for them.

To reach Chris please email him at chris@aboveandbeyondcancer.org

Mary Van Heukelom
Program Director

Mary Van Heukelom co-creates and leads the Optimal Living for Cancer Survivor Programs, in partnership with the YMCA.  She trains, educates and coaches cancer survivors to reduce the chance of relapse, and enhance recovery, through the implementation of holistic personal wellness programs that address all aspects of healthy living.   Mary is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Wellness Coach (MA, CPT-CET-ACSM, RRCA) who leads the Total Training Class, a small group personal training program for survivors at the Wellmark YMCA of Des Moines, teaches Mindfulness Meditation, and facilitates book club, cycle club, and nutrition and cooking classes.  She guides the Adventure Fitness Programs to promote healthy engagement outdoors. Mary trained, trekked and led Cancer Survivor teams to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest, Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kailash in Tibet, and Huayna Picchu in Peru.  As a certified running coach she participated in Coast to Coast for Cancer and co- coached Above + Beyond Cancer’s 2012 Race Across America cycling team. Her professional life purpose is to inspire others to discover their Optimal Health, of body, mind and spirit.  She loves adventure, the outdoors, and time with her young adults children, Anna and Luke.

You can reach Mary at mary@aboveandbeyondcancer.org

Melinda Behn
Director of Development & Outreach

Melinda Behn has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management. Her background includes work in strategic planning, business advocacy, community development, fundraising, budget planning, as well as the recruitment, motivation, and recognition of volunteers. As President and CEO of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce from 2010 to 2021, Melinda provided administration to further the healthy quality of life and business climate in Waukee. Prior to service with the Waukee Chamber, Melinda served in various roles with the Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and Macy’s North Headquarters. Melinda has completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Communication. She has served on the Mid-America Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Macy’s Partners in Time Volunteer Council, as a Minnesota Vikings Ambassador, and interned with the American Cancer Society. In addition to her work with Above + Beyond Cancer, Melinda teaches Aqua, Yoga, and Pilates classes at MercyOne Health & Fitness in Clive. 

Melinda can be reached at melinda@aboveandbeyondcancer.org.