Our Foundation

The Mission Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to adult patients and their families who are battling cancer.

A cancer diagnosis changes everything. During this tough time, patients need to focus on accessing the highest caliber of care possible to get better, not worrying about having enough food to eat or keeping their lights on.

We believe that every cancer patient deserves compassionate, personalized, world-class cancer care regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.

Our Programs

Financial Assistance Fund

Our Foundation provides patients and their families with knowledge and assistance to overcome the many challenges that accompany the treatment of cancer.

Transportation Assistance Fund

The Mission Cancer Foundation Transportation Assistance Fund is proud to be able to assist cancer patients to overcome transportation barriers and get to and from cancer-related treatment appointments. Our fund provides $50 gas cards or ride share cards to ensure access to lifesaving cancer treatments.

Holiday Helpers

The Holiday Helpers program was started in 2020 by Dr. Amy Hughes, Mission Cancer + Blood physician, to spread joy and comfort to identifying local cancer patients and their families who may need a little extra cheer during the winter holiday season.

Family Navigator

Preparing for the end of life is often a difficult topic for many individuals, yet having a solid plan and centralizing important information can provide much-needed peace of mind. The Mission Cancer Foundation and Dr. Amy Hughes developed the Family Navigator, a comprehensive electronic booklet which organizes all essential family information in one convenient location. It is available as a gift to donors who make a donation of $50 or more, or for free to patients.

Chemo Care Bags

The Mission Cancer Foundation distributes chemo care bags to patients beginning their cancer treatment journey. These bags are thoughtfully curated with essential items to provide comfort, support, and relief during treatments. Curated with the advice of experienced chemotherapy nurses, the bags aim to provide support during an overwhelming time.

Our Impact in 2024

Support the Mission Cancer Foundation

All donations stay in Central Iowa with 100% of the funds directly supporting patient and family needs. Visit our Make a Donation page to learn all the ways you can help Brighten the Burden of Cancer.

Foundation News and Updates

Sign up to receive Mission Cancer + Blood Foun­da­tion’s newsletter for the lat­est news and updates.

Board of Directors

Dr. Abdelaziz Elhaddad
Dr. Brian Freeman
Dr. Tara Graff
Dr. Seema Harichand
Dr. Bradley Hiatt
Dr. Amy Hughes
Dr. Angela Sandre
Katie Beecher, Treasurer
Phil Stover, CEO
Jenna Knox, Director

Contact Us

Mission Cancer Foundation
100 E Grand Ave., Ste. 200
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Jenna Knox
Foundation Director
(515) 235-8368
[email protected]

The Mission Cancer Foundation (the “Foundation”) is not affiliated with University of Iowa Health Care (“UI”) or University of Iowa Health System Medical Group, LLC (“UIHSMG”).  The Foundation was established by Mission Cancer + Blood, PLLC, which transitioned its operations to UI as of December 31, 2024.  Neither UI nor UIHSMG are responsible for the content of the Foundation’s website.  If you would like to donate to UI, you may do so through the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.