Lieutenant Governor Honors Springfield Resident, ACS CAN Volunteer

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe recently recognized Springfield resident Jerry Neville for his volunteer work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Neville received the Senior Service Award at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Jefferson City on Monday, May 6.

Neville is a three-time survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma and began volunteering for the American Cancer Society through Springfield’s Relay for Life in 1996. He has also been honored as a Hero of Hope for the organization, serving as a spokesperson and providing a highly visible symbol of personal victory over cancer. ACS CAN – the non-profit advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society – first welcomed Neville as a volunteer in 2015, where he began serving as a lead volunteer for the 7^th Congressional District. He now oversees all ACS CAN volunteers in Missouri as the State Lead Ambassador.

Local ACS CAN staff nominated Neville for his exemplary efforts as a volunteer for his community and an advocate for cancer-fighting public policies at the local, state and federal levels.

“Jerry is the main volunteer contact to Congressman Billy Long’s office, updating him and his staff on federal issues important to the fight against cancer,” said Tim Freeman, Missouri grassroots manager for ACS CAN. “Jerry was able to establish a good working relationship with Congressman Long and his staff, meeting with him several times in both Missouri and Washington, D.C. Because of his efforts, Jerry was been able to secure Congressman Long’s support and co-sponsorship of several key pieces of legislation.”

In addition to his service to the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN, Neville served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1968 aboard the U.S.S. Fulton as a yeoman second class. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Missouri State University and worked for American National Property and Casualty Company for 37 years. Neville and his wife, Judy continue to reside in Springfield.

Neville was one of more than 70 seniors chosen for the lieutenant governor’s award. For more information on the Senior Service Award, visit http://ltgov.mo.gov.

About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.