Together We Saved The Alzheimer’s Stamp

#StampOutAlzheimers

Kathy Siggins and Lynda Everman are thrilled to share the welcome news that, thanks to YOUR advocacy, the US Postal Service has reinstated sales of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Semipostal Stamp effective October 5, 2020: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2020/0904-alzheimer-semipostal-fundraising-stamp-returning.htm

Before it was withdrawn in November 2019, over 8.2 million stamps were sold raising $1,061,777 for NIH supported research to advance better treatments, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

We’re grateful to all who took the time to advocate for this program. The document published in the Federal Register calling for comments to the proposed provisions governing the Discretionary Semipostal Stamp Program clearly noted that the impetus for continuing sales came from caring individuals and organizations in the Alzheimer’s community and our allies in Congress who were unwilling to see almost 492 million stamps needlessly destroyed.

Today’s announcement is a favorable milestone in a multi-year effort by Kathy and me. Kathy has championed this since 1999, leading the charge for the original Alzheimer’s commemorative stamp that was released in 2008 with these words from then Postmaster General John Potter: “With the Alzheimer’s Awareness commemorative stamp, we’ll ask Americans to use the power of mail to raise awareness about this tragic disease. We hope to draw attention to the causes of the disease, the impact it has on individuals, caregivers and society, and how research may eventually lead to treatments that prevent or halt the progression of the disease.”

With today’s announcement, we hope for this and more. Because it is a semipostal, it will raise awareness and critical research funds. Using the Alzheimer’s stamp honors the memory of those whom we’ve lost and signals our support for those still facing the challenges of this most difficult disease.

On a personal note, I imagine most of us have experienced the power of a handwritten card or letter to express support in times of personal distress and comfort in times of grief. I often think of my late husband Richard who, at the end of his life, resided in an assisted living community. He had a dear friend who frequently sent him a card or a short note. These got tucked in the pockets of Richard’s shirts and pants and were pulled out to be read again and again. With each reading he felt remembered, loved, and affirmed. It was a simple, yet powerful gift, that a decade later I still remember with deep gratitude. With this reissue, we all have the opportunity to reach out in a similar way to someone needing encouragement and can now post it with a fundraising Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp.

Please continue to buy it, use it, gift it, and promote it to help #StampOutAlzheimers!

Purchase Your Stamps:

at: local post office

or online at: usps.com

Beginning October 5th!

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