Breast Cancer stamp promoted at Fallbrook Post Office

Every day millions of pieces of mail are delivered to people all over the United States. What better way to raise money and show support in the fight to end breast cancer than to purchase specially designed postage stamps?

The idea behind the stamp originated in California from a Sacramento oncologist, Dr. Ernie Bodai, who has treated more than 1,000 women with breast cancer. The idea came to Bodai while sending out holiday cards.

Designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, the stamp features the phrases “Fund the Fight” and “Find a Cure” and an illustration of a mythical “goddess of the hunt” by Whitney Sherman of Baltimore.

The stamp is based on an ink drawing showing the Roman goddess Diana pulling an arrow out of a quiver. Diana is the mythological symbol of strength and independence that overcomes the perils of the world.

In the illustration, Diana is reaching for an arrow. This can be interpreted as getting ready to target the disease. Likewise, the positioning of the figure’s arm can be interpreted as the position needed to examine oneself for possible breast cancer symptoms.

The colors used in this stamp are intended to present a kaleidoscope of color, which symbolically includes all people, as this disease knows no boundaries.

To date, the United States Postal Service has raised more than $54 million for breast cancer research. The special stamp is available all year long. Last year the Fallbrook Post Office sold 1,081 sheets of the stamp and raised $1,895.98. This year they hope to raise even more.

“As a woman and a mother with a daughter, every stamp sold is closer to the goal of finding a cure for breast cancer,” says Sharon Bitting, Fallbrook Post Office Supervisor.

Through November 9, all post offices are displaying a Circle of Hope card in their lobbies. The Fallbrook office asks patrons to put the name of a loved one on the card when purchasing a sheet of stamps.

A sheet of stamps is priced at $11 instead of $8.20, with the difference of $2.80 going to breast cancer research.

“Here at the Fallbrook Post Office our goal is to raise $1,500 in stamps during this period – about 140 sheets,” says Bitting. “We are currently halfway there.”

Customers purchasing the breast cancer stamps should be aware that there is no postage rate marked on the stamp; therefore, the stamp will always retain the first class postage rate.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for both individuals and businesses to aid in the fight for breast cancer. One little bit from each can make a huge difference,” adds Bitting.