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A
Stamp To Fund Research
by
Margaret Chiffriller
 Every
time the price of a stamp goes up, I didn't have to worry about
adding a penny stamp or trying to figure out which of the collection
of stamps that I have from the last few price hikes would make the
right combination.
I've
found a way to simplify my life and support breast cancer research
at the same time. It's called the Breast Cancer Semipostal. It's
a one-price-covers-it-all stamp and research funding opportunity.
The
stamp is sold for 45 cents. Since the first stamps were sold on
July 29, 1998 concerned Americans have purchased 421.3 million of
them -- raising $29.5 million for biomedical breast cancer research
at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of
Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Programs.
Seventy
percent of net proceeds above the cost of postage is transferred
to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and 30 percent of net
proceeds above the cost of postage is transferred to the Medical
Research Program of the Department of Defense (DoD). The NIH and
DoD were identified as recipients of the funds by legislation enacted
in 1997.
Besides
covering any postal increases with the 45 cent price and donating
to research, the stamp has other benefits. I use them on all of
my bills, cards and letters. Everyone who gets an envelope with
one of the semipostals notices the colorful stamp and the breast
cancer message. I've had friends call to thank me for reminding
them to get a mammogram, just because they saw the stamp and remembered.
The
stamp was authorized by Congress in 1997 and first issued in 1998.
So if you haven't started the habit by now - get some today and
become a breast cancer advocate the easy way!
Look
for the Breast Cancer Research Semipostal (Fundraising) Stamps.
Tell your friends about them.
Stop
at your local post office and ask for the breast cancer stamp or
go to the United States Postal Service (USPS) StampsOnline
site to buy them online.
Fund
the Fight: Help Stamp Out Breast Cancer!
Senator
Dianne Feinstein: Breast Cancer Research Stamp
February
21, 2002
Last
Updated August 1, 2006
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