New Breast Cancer Stamp Helps El Salvador
San Salvador, February 4, 2009 -- People suffering from breast cancer, as well as organizations fighting to curb the spread of the disease, will benefit from a postage stamp inaugurated today in the capital of this Central American nation.
The initiative was launched by the Cure Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Airline Ambassadors International, and the First Lady of El Salvador.
"Tragically, some 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about half a million people around the world will die from this scourge in 2009," said Nancy Rivard, President of Airline Ambassadors International who added, "and we only wish we could do more."
The issue of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp (BCRS) in El Salvador is accompanied by the release of a Salvadorean version using the artwork of the U.S. original.
Dr. Ernie Bodai set up the BCRS in the United States in 1998, the first fund-raising stamp issued by the United States Postal Service, the profits of which go to a research fund trying to find a cure for breast cancer.
"Since its inception in the United States of America, the stamp has raised over $70 million through the sales of over 900 million stamps" reported Dr. Bodai.
The benefits of the innovative philatelic philanthropy have now spread beyond breast cancer.
Dr. Bodai, in a message delivered by the Chairman of Airline Ambassadors., said the funds had enabled researchers not only to record advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, but also to make important discoveries with "applicability to ovarian and colon cancer as well."
"Hundreds of research projects have been funded with these dollars and tremendous strides have been made", stated Patricia McPeak, Board Chairman of Airline Ambassadors representing Dr Bodai at the ceremony in the presence of the First Lady of El Salvador, Ana Ligia de Saca.
Lelei LeLaulu, board member of Counterpart Caribbean lauded the initiative which he hoped would be replicated in other Latin American and Caribbeam countries: "Philatelic philanthropy is making an important impression in the fight against this dreadful disease and we should all make a point of buying these beautiful stamps, which could contribute to saving lives."
Nancy Rivard
415-359-8006
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Ambassador Lorenzo, First Lady of El Salvador, and
Nancy and Dave Rivard, of Airline Ambassadors. |
Celebrating the issue of the Breast Cancer Stamp.
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