In 1998, the first semi-postal stamp ever, a stamp specifically used to raise funds for a special cause, was issued. At that time, 200 million stamps were produced and $5.2 million was raised for breast cancer research. Since then, more than 1 billion Breast Cancer Research (BCR) stamps have been produced, with net proceeds now exceeding $79 million.
At 12 noon, on September 30th, 2014 on the West Steps of the California State Capital in downtown Sacramento, history repeated itself when Sacramento became the only city in the county to re-issue the stamp in a First-Day of Issue ceremony.
The Breast Cancer Research Stamp started in Sacramento when Kaiser physician Dr. Ernie Bodai was the driving force to persuade congress to pass the first American stamp ever to directly fund research for a specific cause. This research has not only helped find the cure for breast cancer, but has helped find a cure for colon cancer, ovarian cancer and prostrate cancer. Dr. Bodai has dedicated a major portion of his life to raising much needed funds to combat the disease.
This national event featured Dr. Ernie Bodai and Sacramento District Manager, Dr. Barbara Plunkett as they unveil the re-issued Breast Cancer Research Stamp. Sacramento is the only city in the country to be able to sell this newly re-issued semi-postal stamp on this day.
This year the US Postal Service, Sacramento District has put a campaign in gear by decorating two postal vehicles in pink and making stops at various stops in the Sacramento postal district to promote the sale of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp. The goal is to create awareness and to be the first in the country to sell the billionth stamp.
Images from the event
