General Session on Thursday, May 4 @ 8:45-10 a.m.

Pursuing Life with Purpose and Passion
Sponsored by: BrownWinick Law Firm

Dr. Richard Deming is a mesmerizing storyteller. Through his experience as an oncologist and the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the lives of those touched by cancer, he will share incredible stories about cancer survivors and the challenges they faced confronting their cancer. He will share inspirational stories of survivors pursuing ambitious goals and summiting mountaintops around the world.  These personal, life-transforming stories have inspired audiences large and small for years and will help attendees live their lives with passion, compassion and authenticity and reach above and beyond their normal limits to achieve extraordinary goals.

These stories will resonate not only with cancer survivors but also aging services providers who have been climbing their own mountains related to the pandemic and workforce challenges the past few years. Through this adversity, we have had to apply personal strengths, often illusive before our journey. We’ve also had to acquire an appreciation for the talents of others, those who are there for their support. Through this journey, we are forever changed. In straightforward terms:  Adversity Leads to Personal Growth.

Ultimately, the journey is less about the view from the summit and more about the self-discovery and wisdom gained along the way. When all is said and done, when the backpacks and hiking boots are put away, life begins again, with a dramatically altered perspective. Priorities are re-ordered. Life is a gift and not a single minute should be “un-lived.”  Join Dr. Deming to reignite your purpose and passion.

• Discover the courage and confidence that cancer survivors acquire during their cancer journey.
• Explore the philosophical transformation that can occur as a result of facing a cancer diagnosis.
• Experience the beauty, joy, difficulties, and life-transformation that can occur when individuals are willing to reach above and beyond their normal limits to achieve extraordinary goals.
• Study ways to live their lives with passion, compassion, and authenticity.

Richard L. Deming, MD, Medical Director, MercyOne Cancer Center and Founder, Above + Beyond Cancer, Des Moines
Richard L. Deming, MD, is Medical Director of MercyOne Cancer Center in Des Moines. He received a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University and his medical degree from 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 received the Iowa Star Award from the Des Moines Register for making a measurable difference within the community and improving the quality of life for Iowans everywhere. He was awarded the St. George National Medal by the American Cancer Society for leadership in reducing the burden of cancer.

Dr. Deming is also the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating the lives of those touched by cancer. Dr. Deming has led cancer survivors on medical missions and inspirational mind-body-spirit pilgrimages to Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Machu Picchu. He is inspired by the courage and compassion of his patients and their families. His greatest ambition is to encourage others to pursue lives of meaning, purpose, passion, and compassion.