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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 2, 2001 Contact: Renée Gaines (626) 332-2255 www.winabc.org WASHINGTON, D.C. United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Betsy Mullen President/CEO of the Women¹s Information Network Against Breast Cancer (WIN ABC) have once again successfully led efforts in Congress to save a first of its kind postage stamp designed to save lives. The historic Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised approximately $24 million to date to fund innovative breast cancer research at the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. The awareness raised as a result of this country¹s first fundraising stamp continues to be priceless. Senator Dianne Feinstein and WIN Against Breast Cancer CEO Betsy Mullen have worked diligently, alongside many others over the past four years, to ensure the creation and continued success of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp that was slated to be discontinued in July 2002. They are now counting on the American public and organizations throughout the country to continue purchasing and promoting this important fundraising stamp and time is of the essence. The original legislation introduced by Senators Feinstein and Hutchison this summer called for a six-year extension. When the legislation went to committee however, the time frame to continue this important fundraising mechanism for breast cancer research was reduced to 17 months. U.S. Representatives David Dreier (R-28-CA), Sue Kelly (R-19-NY), Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-37-CA), Dan Burton (R-6-IN), and J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-4-OK) were among the Breast Cancer Research Stamp¹s leading proponents in the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate last night approved legislation to extend the life of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp for an additional 17 months, through December 31, 2003, in a show of bipartisan support to save the historic stamp which was slated to be taken off the market next year despite continued strong sales and millions of dollars raised for research. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the measure earlier this week. The legislation was included as part of the Fiscal Year 2002 Treasury-Postal Appropriations bill that was approved by the Senate last night. "Virtually everywhere I travel, people tell me they buy these beautiful stamps in the hopes of helping to find a cure for breast cancer," Senator Feinstein said. "This stamp has raised over $23 million dollars for research as more than 300 million stamps have been purchased -- that's more than one for every American." "The Breast Cancer Research Stamp is just as necessary today as it was three years ago when Congress first authorized the stamp," said Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT). "An estimated 192,200 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States this year alone and an estimated 40,600 deaths (40,200 women, 400 men) from breast cancer are expected in 2001. However, thanks to breakthroughs in cancer research, more people are becoming cancer survivors." "One stamp at a time and pennies at a time, the American people have come together to raise millions of dollars, awareness and hope to the all too many still searching for a cure to end this rampant disease that has become a blight on our nation," said Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer, a leading proponent of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp since the idea for a first-ever fundraising U.S. first-class postage stamp was first conceived. "The millions in additional funds raised by the breast cancer research stamp have been instrumental in the battle against this terrible disease," Senator Hutchison said. "Each time this stamp is used, we send a clear message that by working together we can make a difference in the war against breast cancer." "The breast cancer research stamp is a great way for consumers to donate funds to fight a terrible disease that touches the lives of so many Americans", said Congressman David Dreier." I am very proud to represent WIN Against Breast Cancer, an organization that has helped to lead the way." "Many Americans have given life to the Breast Cancer Research Stamp and the stamp has given hope to the all too many patients and families devastated by breast cancer every year throughout the world," said Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer, herself a breast cancer survivor. "The public support for this stamp has been unparalleled. We urge continued and undiminished support from individuals and corporations throughout our country to purchase the stamp in record numbers as the clock is now ticking we have a 17-month window down from six years to "fund the fight to find a cure" for breast cancer, which claims over 40,000 lives each year in the United States alone. The American people now represent the lifeline for this landmark stamp," said Mullen. "We encourage the public to continue to promote and purchase the stamp and to give a gift of life and hope by using the Breast Cancer Research Stamp on cards and letters this holiday season and by giving sheets of the beautiful stamp for gifts now and through December 31, 2003", said Mullen. "This stamp represents one of the easiest methods to raise funds to battle breast cancer. By purchasing this stamp, Americans have already shown their commitment to combating this affliction more than 300 million times, raising over $22 million", said Congresswoman Sue Kelly. "To allow production of the stamp to lapse at a time when sales remain strong would be a mistake. Through this legislation, we can continue the fight against breast cancer." The net proceeds from sales of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp fund cutting edge breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Programs. The legislation, which had 85 cosponsors in the Senate and 208 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, was supported by numerous individuals representing diverse organizations, including The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; The National Association for Women's Health; The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation; The American Association of Retired Persons; The YWCA of the USA; The Brain Injury Association; The Center on Disability and Health; The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc.; The American Lung Association of California; The American Association of Health Plans and The Women¹s Information Network (WIN) Against Breast Cancer. Last year, the General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report showing that the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been a success and an effective fundraiser in the effort to boost funds to fight the disease. The General Accounting Office said in the report, "On the basis of the collective results of all the measures we used to evaluate effectiveness, we believe the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been an effective fund-raiser." The report also goes on to assert that "the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has been successful." Breast Cancer Research Stamps can be purchased by calling 1-800-STAMP 24 and on-line at: http://shop.usps.com (Product search keywords: Breast Cancer Research Stamp) To learn more about the National Institutes of Health Breast Cancer Research Program and the National Cancer Institute¹s (NCI) breast cancer research grants derived from the stamp, visit: http://newscenter.cancer.gov/pressreleases/stampawards.html To learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Stamp and the involvement of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, visit: http://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/factsheets/bcstampfactsheet.htm WIN Against Breast Cancer is a national non-profit organization committed to increasing public awareness about breast cancer and ensuring that individuals from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds have rapid access to quality breast cancer care, state-of-the-art education, support and information about this disease. For more information about WIN Against Breast Cancer, its programs and services and to get involved to help ensure the success of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, please call WIN ABC toll-free at (866) 2 WIN ABC or visit WIN¹s web site at www.winabc.org. Getting Involved to Make a Difference: How You Can Help "Fund the Fight to Find a Cure" Purchase the Breast Cancer Research Stamp! Use it for business and personal mailings and give a gift of life and hope by purchasing the stamp for birthdays, Mothers' Day, holiday cards and gifts and other special events. Sell the Stamp in Retail Stores and other Points of Purchase. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp not only raises money for vital research but also raises awareness about the disease, which is priceless. Promote the Stamp in Your Community. Include articles about the Breast Cancer Research Stamp in newspapers, magazines and newsletters. Contact your mayor and other elected officials to issue a City, County or State Proclamation naming a period of time Breast Cancer Research Stamp, Day, Month or Year, urging all individuals, businesses and service organizations to use the special stamp exclusively on all mailings (and remember, the extra funds going toward research are tax deductible). Collaborate with the Media. Pitch an article or television news story about the stamp and what you, your company, organization and community are doing to raise awareness and fight breast cancer each time you mail a letter or give a gift that includes the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. Host a Special Event. The Women's National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, local and national celebrities continue to support the stamp. Create a health fair around a special ceremony commemorating the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. Call Your Local Postmaster. Make sure that your local post offices prominently display posters to promote the stamp and that each clerk has the stamp for sale. Meet with your local postal service officials to arrange for special stamp sales at your events and work with them for a special cancellation postmark to help promote the stamp (which will also serve as a great marketing tool for your organization, company and/or community). Last Updated: 06/01/2004 |
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