Turning Adversity into Advocacy: The Story of the Verniero Commission

Founded in 2018, the Verniero Commission is a volunteer-led effort dedicated to
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) cancer awareness, patient advocacy, and community service.

Our Mission in MPN Awareness and Volunteer Advocacy

Back in 2018, a small group of individuals decided to form a volunteer commission that would
advocate on behalf of those who could not speak for themselves. From the beginning, the
Verniero Commission has focused on raising MPN awareness,
sharing reliable information, and offering support to patients, families, and communities
affected by Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Today, our work centers on:

Advocating for people living with rare blood cancers and complex medical conditions.
Promoting awareness of Polycythemia Vera (PV) and other MPN cancers.
Sharing information and resources to help patients and caregivers feel less alone.
Serving our communities through volunteerism and public service appointments.

Ultimately, we are an informal volunteer group and do not accept donations.
Our purpose is to serve, to advocate, and to give a voice to those who entrust us with their stories.

About Our Founder

Hon. Col. Samuel Verniero, Jr.

Sam has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, including an “offsetting” terminal illness.
The rare blood cancer is Polycythemia Vera, and the offsetting terminal illness consists
of arterial vascular malformations and aneurysms.

Despite these challenges, Sam has continued a life of public service and volunteer leadership. He has been
appointed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to two State boards: the

State of Georgia Rehabilitation Council

and the

Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia
.

In addition, he is a Kentucky Colonel, Arkansas Traveler, and Ambassador. He serves as a Deputy High
Commissioner for the United Nations World Humanity Commission for Asia & Africa, is a member of the
DeKalb County Community Service Board, and most recently has served as a Judge on the Selective Service
System District Appeal Board.

Although Col. Verniero is battling Polycythemia Vera, he thrives on service to the community. He continues
to volunteer on behalf of those who look to him as their voice—exemplifying the spirit of the
Verniero Commission.

Read Commendations

Portrait of Hon. Col. Samuel Verniero Jr., founder of the Verniero Commission, in front of the American flag.

2020 MPN Hero

Sam is recognized as a 2020 MPN Hero, a testament to the courage and determination required
to change hearts and minds about MPNs. Although several strokes have affected his body, his personality,
spirit, and commitment to advocacy remain strong.

Even while facing serious health challenges, he continues to speak up for patients, encourage additional
MPN research, and promote better understanding of rare blood cancers that impact patients and families
around the world.

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owns the Voices of MPN trademark.