Stamps Fight Breast Cancer

HARTFORD — The simple act of buying a sheet of stamps can make a real difference in the fight against Breast Cancer.

“Each year, the Postal Service issues a wide range of stamps that commemorate important people, places, and events in American history and culture,” said Allen Lariviere, Connecticut lead executive district manager of the US Postal Service. “But one stamp in particular makes a difference to so many. It’s the Breast Cancer Research stamp and it’s helping in the fight against this deadly disease.”

More than 150 million of the stamps have been sold since being issued on July 29, 1998, raising approximately $11 million for breast cancer research. Each 40-cent stamp is valid for the 33-cent first-class letter rate and provides 7 cents for research. In Connecticut alone, more than $168,000 has been raised for research from the sale of 2.29 million of the stamps.

“Breast cancer touches the lives of millions of Americans – young and old, male and female,” Mr Lariviere said. “Using this stamp on your cards and letters is a great way to show your support and commitment to this noble cause. This unique stamp provides an opportunity to raise both funds and much-needed awareness.”

If every stamp in the country were sold, an additional $9 million would go to research. The stamp will be on sale only through July 2000.

Mr Lariviere also encourages the purchase of breast cancer research stamps for gifts. The stamp is sold in sheets of 20, at a cost of $8. Stamps may be purchased at any local post office, online at www.usps.com (Click on “STAMPSOnline,” “Buy Online”), or by calling 800/STAMP-24.