The breast cancer research stamp was introduced in 1998 and has generated more than $74,000,000 for research and treatment.
It's bound to generate even more, now that Congress has approved it's extension for four more years.
Fund the fight. Find a cure. It's the message of the postage stamp and post offices all across the country. But especially here in Sioux City.
Postmaster, Lori Slater-Trautwein, says, "It's very visible to all of us in this area and we definitely want to contribute. It's an easy way to contribute. You can just buy a stamp and you're actually helping the cause."
Thanks to recent congressional approval of the Breast Cancer Stamp Reauthorization Act...
11 cents of every BCR stamp sold, will continue to help fund cancer research and treatment throughout 2015.
And one postal worker says she's living proof it's working. That she's a product of the money raised so far.
Survivor, Sharyn Volk of Sioux City, says, "I just had a double mastectomy and all reconstruction surgeries, but it was about 15 surgeries in three years."
Giving her a lot to be proud of…
"Oh, I'm a proud mother, grandma, that I can be with my grandkids and that I've survived. That I can go on and look forward to life.
...and giving us another reason to mail a letter, ship a package and put an end to breast cancer once and for all.
A little history on the BCR stamp:
More than 924 million stamps have been sold since it was first introduced, making it the most popular commemorative stamp in U.S. Postal Service history. 70% of the proceeds are distributed to the National Institutes of Health, and 30%, to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense.
The 44 cent stamp is sold for 55 cents, with 11 cents earmarked for breast cancer research. Designed by Postal Service Art Director, Ethel Kessler, a breast cancer survivor, it features Whitney Sherman's depiction of "Diana," the goddess of the hunt, and incorporates the essential message behind the stamp: "Fund the Fight. Find a Cure."
