Above + Beyond Cancer is a public charity with a mission to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world.

What We Do

Founded in 2011 by Des Moines, Iowa Oncologist Dr. Richard Deming, our team takes cancer survivors on incredible adventures. Above + Beyond Cancer journeys have led participants to places like Mount Everest Base Camp and the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but our work isn’t about getting to the tops of mountains. Through our transformational journeys, our participants inspire the public by devoting themselves to a life of advocacy and leading an example for healthy living and cancer prevention in their communities.

We Believe

Everyone’s life is touched by cancer.
Cancer is a mind-body-spirit journey.
Health, fitness and good nutrition are critical to prevention and survivorship.
Patients and survivors can be empowered to pursue ambitious goals.
Survivor and caregiver storytelling bring understanding and hope.
Good public policy can help reduce cancer.

Our Team

Brad Anderson
Executive Director

Brad Anderson joined Above + Beyond Cancer in February, 2015 as Executive Director. He has worked on a variety of local, state and national campaigns and causes for more than a decade. Brad’s goal as Executive Director is to expand the reach of Above + Beyond Cancer to further the mission of “elevating the lives of those touched by cancer.” Brad and his wife Lisa, along with their children Alice and Will, live in Des Moines with their dog Gracie Carmel. Lisa is a speech therapist, running her own small business, Small Talk Therapy.

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.

Mary Van Heukelom
Health & Fitness Director

Mary Van Heukelom 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 trained, trekked and led Cancer Survivor teams to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest, Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Huayna PIcchu, participated in Coast to Coast for Cancer and co- coached Above + Beyond Cancer’s 2012 Race Across America cycling team. 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. Her professional life purpose is to inspire others to discover their Optimal Health, of body, mind and spirit.

Board of Directors