YOUNG ADULT SURVIVOR PROGRAM

YOUNG ADULT SURVIVOR PROGRAM

Young Adult Survivor Program.

Fun, engaging, and social events to connect YA survivors in authentic ways.

If you want to connect with others, laugh, and discover more zest and authenticity for life, then an Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Cancer Survivor event is a good space for you.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LET’S PLAY!

Group of five people sitting at a table with drinks in a casual indoor setting. Two people wear festive poinsettia hats, and a playful mood is evident among them. In the background, there are people playing on a sports court. The table has cups, pens, a phone, and a poinsettia plant.

Crushing It! Pickleball

Get ready to meet new people and elevate your well-being by socializing and learning pickleball - with a little health competition, too!

This event is free, and Young Adult Survivors are encouraged to bring a friend or family member for a night of fun at Smash Park!

Register Here

LET’S CREATE!

Healing with Art

If you want to discover how creating art may encourage growth, understanding, acceptance and peace to the journey of cancer survivorship then this Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Cancer Survivor event is a good space for you. We have two different classes to choose in January and February.

We provide all the supplies, and classes are taught by a Master in Art Therapy Teacher.

This event is free, and registration is required .

Artist painting colorful flowers at a table with a watercolor palette, surrounded by art supplies. Text overlay reads 'Healing With Art' and includes the Above + Beyond Cancer logo.
Register Here
Register Here

LET’S MINGLE!

Gallery Gathering

The Gallery Gathering offers space for Young Adult Survivors (ages 18-40) to connect and a guided exhibit tour of the Des Moines Art Center. Meet at the Art Center Cafe for mingling prior to the museum tour. This event is free, and plus ones are welcome to join. Registration is required.

LET’S RELAX!

Pink Moon Sunset Forest Bathing

Join us for a 1.5 hour sunset Forest Bathing experience with a Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide in a tucked away private gem, called Stowe Away Park.  

This mindful and relaxing experience will nurture your overall well-being.  Forest Bathing may lower stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate.  It can also enhance immunity and recovery.  This opportunity brings Young Adult Cancer Survivors (18-40) together for connection with each other and nature.  You may register family and/or friends to join as well.

Register Here

LET’S RIDE!

Graphic with colorful bicycle outlines and the text "Ride+Ruckus for Young Adult Cancer Survivors," associated with Above + Beyond Cancer.

Ride + Ruckus

Ride + Ruckus, from Above + Beyond Cancer, is for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (Ages 18-40) and their partner, friend, or family. This fun evening includes biking from the Bill Riley Trail Head to Water Works Biergarten, pedaling 10 miles round trip. Expect to connect, socialize, and build community. And oh, there will be some games, prizes, and complimentary snacks.

Register Here

PAST EVENTS

Graphic promoting an event with text 'Hike and Sip.' Background image of a wooded trail with people hiking. Includes details for the event: 'Explore with Above + Beyond Cancer,' 'Sunday Morning,' 'Coffee shop to a hidden gem,' 'Young adult survivors + friends.' Mentions website, 'aboveandbeyondcancer.org,' and concludes with 'connect + recharge.'

Hike + Sip

Hike + SIp will enhance your well-being by immersing yourself in nature with a 1.5 mile wooded hike around a pond, through the trees, to a hidden waterfall. This Sunday morning stroll is a great way to calm the mind and energize the soul.

Two people sitting on blankets having a picnic in a park, with snacks including pretzels, crackers, carrots, and cheese on a checkered picnic cloth. Trees and a grassy field are visible in the background.

AL FRESCO SOCIAL

If you want to connect with others, laugh, and discover more zest and authenticity for life, then an Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Cancer Survivor event is a good space for you.

We provide the picnic, and Jasper Winery provides the free tunes. Bring a blanket or chairs, your PG 13 beverages (beer + wine is sold @ Jasper) AND gear up for a free drawing for Bozz Prints swag.

BIKE + BREW

Bike + Brew, from Above + Beyond Cancer, is for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (18-40) and their partner, friend, or family. This fun evening includes biking from the Bill Riley Trail Head to Peace Tree Brewing, pedaling 13 miles round trip. The event includes complimentary snacks and a micro-brew (beer, soda, kombucha, or coffee). Expect to connect, socialize, and build community.

Outdoor music event poster with text "Al Fresco Social" and "For Young Adult Survivors." Background shows musicians playing instruments.

Mindful Movement Workshop for Young Adult Survivors: Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Pain

Join Above + Beyond Cancer and Nadi Integrative Care to reconnect to your body and align your mind to the present moment. This workshop offers a supportive space to explore the healing benefits of breathwork, gentle yoga, and mindful movement, all tailored to help manage the unique challenges of stress, anxiety, and pain that exists within the body.

Through guided activities, insightful discussions, and de-stressing methods, attendees will gain practical tools to enhance their well-being and navigate their journey with greater strength and ease.

Green leaves with text "Mindful Movement Workshop for Young Adult Survivors"

Healing with Art

If you want to discover how creating art may encourage growth, understanding, acceptance and peace to the journey of cancer survivorship then this Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Cancer Survivor event is a good space for you. We have four different classes to choose from starting in October.

We provide all the supplies, and classes are taught by a Master in Art Therapy Teacher.

This event is free, and registration is required .

Artist painting colorful flowers at a table with a watercolor palette, surrounded by art supplies. Text overlay reads 'Healing With Art' and includes the Above + Beyond Cancer logo.

Dance It Out!
Dance Class for YA Survivors

Above + Beyond Cancer is connecting Young Adult Cancer Survivors (ages 18-40) with one another for good times and laughter. Get ready to meet new people and enhance your well-being by socializing and learning some cool dance moves.

This event is free, and Young Adult Survivors are encouraged to bring a friend, partner or family member.  And, "Individual" registrants will be partnered with another dance enthusiast.

Light refreshments will be served during "social time" with swing dance lessons to follow.

Dance It Out! flyer with a gray brick background promoting "Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Dance Class."
Illustration of people dancing with the text 'Rhythm + Revival: A Young Adult Survivor Event' on a red banner.

Rhythm + Revival

Join this free, six-week dance wellness workshop for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (18-40) and revive your mind, body, and spirit! Each session begins with intention setting, breathwork, and mindfulness, followed by an up-tempo class to build strength, flexibility, and mind-body connection. You'll explore movement, rhythm, spatial awareness, and fun, easy-to-learn combos in a supportive, confidence-boosting environment. No dance experience needed—just comfy clothes and socks or bare feet. Bring a friend, partner, or family member and find your Rhythm + Revival together!  

Graphic with colorful bicycle outlines and the text "Ride+Ruckus for Young Adult Cancer Survivors," associated with Above + Beyond Cancer.

Ride + Ruckus

Ride + Ruckus, from Above + Beyond Cancer, is for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (Ages 18-40) and their partner, friend, or family. This fun evening includes biking from the Bill Riley Trail Head to Water Works Biergarten, pedaling 10 miles round trip. Expect to connect, socialize, and build community. And oh, there will be some games, prizes, and complimentary snacks.

Poster for "Fur Baby Yoga" featuring a row of cute puppies and kittens with the Above + Beyond Cancer logo.

Fur Baby Yoga

Get ready for the purr-fect blend of relaxation and cuteness overload! Join us for Fur Baby Yoga where you’ll stretch, breathe, and find your zen — all while adorable baby kittens or puppies (TBD!) play, cuddle, and bring joy to your practice. 🐶🐱 Bring your own mat!

Outdoor social event banner with "Al Fresco Social" text over a blurred image of musicians and drums, designed for young adult survivors.

AL FRESCO SOCIAL

If you want to connect with others, laugh, and discover more zest and authenticity for life, then an Above + Beyond Cancer Young Adult Cancer Survivor event is a good space for you.

We provide the picnic, and Jasper Winery provides the free tunes. Bring a blanket or chairs, your PG 13 beverages (beer + wine is sold @ Jasper) AND gear up for free swag.

PADDLE + POSE

Our Paddle + Pose event invites Young Adult Survivors to enjoy Easter Lake and a picnic on a summer afternoon by paddling the waters via SUP, kayak, or canoe.  After, cool down with a simple stretch practice and time to connect with others.  Please bring your own yoga mat, however extras will be provided.  

This event is free for Young Adult Cancer Survivors, including all "graduates" of the Children's Cancer Connection.  You may also register a friend or family member. Picnic is provided by Above + Beyond Cancer, and bring your favorite water bottle for the afternoon.

Outdoor Retreat for YA Survivors

Get ready to meet go back to your youth with a day at Wesley Woods! Your registration includes; hiking, canoeing, archery, a picnic and opportunities to connect and self exploration.  Registration is free. 

Register yourself and a buddy (if you want!). Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable outdoor shoes for activity and any medication you may need.

Three people socializing outside

  • ‘After years of not meeting other local young adult cancer survivors, I can say that is no longer an issue. It was truly a wonderful moment to take in and to celebrate. I was FINALLY connecting with other and as a bonus - getting to participate in an activity I enjoy. Thank you, Above + Beyond Cancer for creating a space for Young Adults to feel welcomed and supported.’ - YA SURVIVOR

  • "Community is needed by all and it's something cancer can't take away, in fact makes it stronger! The short time spent with other YA survivors was just what I needed. The automatic camaraderie was felt and undeniable.” - YA SURVIVOR

  • There is something safe and comforting about Above + Beyond Cancer's YA group events. There is an unsaid understanding between the participants I can't quite articulate. As a young survivor, my peers in my pre-diagnosis life can't understand what goes on in my mind, body, & spirit. And I never want them to. But, the first time I walked into a YA group, there was peace inside me, for I didn't have to explain the months behind me I have spent in treatment and the months ahead. This group understood more than anyone would ever want to.

    I am not a person that joins many groups, so I felt so nervous coming in!! I was immediately met with genuine acceptance. I felt comfortable just being me & almost immediately, let down my guard.

    I look forward to more events. I am grateful I found Above + Beyond Cancer for their programming, but also the connections that are made and developed through all the programs, but especially the YA events!

Four women smiling and sitting on a blanket at an outdoor event with a "Above+Beyound Cancer" banner in the background, surrounded by trees.
Group of seven people taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day, with grass and buildings in the background.
Group of five people smiling and posing at a table indoors, with beverages and poinsettia plants on the table.
Two people smiling in a forest, wearing hats and casual clothing, one holding a drink with a straw.
Two people sitting on picnic blankets outdoors with trees and a vineyard in the background. A variety of snacks, including crackers, cheese, and carrots, are spread out on the blanket in front of them.
Two people sitting outdoors, one wearing an orange shirt and sunglasses, and the other wearing a black cap and sunglasses, surrounded by green foliage.
Two people posing on an indoor pickleball court holding paddles, dressed in casual sportswear.
Two people playing pickleball indoors on a court, both holding paddles, smiling and having fun.
Two people standing together indoors, holding pickleball paddles, wearing casual sportswear, smiling at the camera.
Group of five people smiling at a table with poinsettia flowers and drinks, indoor sports facility with pickleball courts in background.
Two people sitting indoors, smiling for the camera. The person on the left has long black hair and is wearing a burgundy top, while the person on the right has a beard, wearing a gray graphic t-shirt and a backward cap. The background includes indoor
Two people smiling indoors at a sports facility, with tennis courts in the background.
Two people indoors, one wearing a red shirt, the other a yellow shirt, on a pickleball court.
Two people in a casual setting, with one holding a glass. A table with food and a TV screen in the background. Both are wearing athletic shirts.
A group of people posing together indoors at a wooden table with drinks, including cups and bottles. There is a poinsettia plant on the table, and some of the people are holding pickleball paddles. The setting appears to be a casual gathering at a co

CHECK OUT THE FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

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