On Tuesday, October 22, Madera Post Office celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a stamp event. Postmasters from communities around the Central Valley gathered together in a ceremony to bring awareness of the research that has been done over the years, and the funds raised as a result of selling this special stamp.
In 1998, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal was issued. Before that time, it was not allowed to issue a stamp and charge more than the current postal rate. This was the first stamp issued that gave the post office the ability to fundraise by selling postage, and since that time, over $95 million has been raised for cancer research.
The stamp currently sells for 85 cents, selling at a surcharge of 12 cents. Purchase of this stamp supports the Breast Cancer Research work of the National Institutes of Health and the Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense.