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The Long and Winding Road…

~ An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond

The Long and Winding Road…

Tag Archives: alzheimers semipostal

Let’s help STAMP OUT Alzheimer’s!

15 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Call to Action, Help Stamp Out Alzheimer's

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

alzheimers, Alzheimers advocacy, alzheimers awareness, alzheimers funding, alzheimers semipostal, dementia, help stamp out alzheimers

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.  ~Margaret Mead

 

I’ve always loved this quote. I believe Margaret Mead’s words. I’ve seen it in action – you and I do have the power to make a REAL difference!

This is one of those moments; your voice is important and impactful! I hope you’ll take a few moments to respond to this call to action!

Learn more about the Help Stamp Out Alzheimer’s effort in this piece from last March.  Alzheimer’s Semipostal Update: March 2016.

There are two actions you can take:

  • Leave a comment on the USPS site urging issuance of an Alzheimer’s fundraising stamp.  Take a few minutes and to leave a comment for the Postmaster General encouraging her to approve an Alzheimer’s fundraising stamp. The Breast Cancer semipostal stamp has raised over $81 million since its inception and we can do the same for Alzheimer’s disease! Click here to visit the site. 
  • Write to Postmaster General, the Honorable Megan J. Brennan. What follows is a letter you can copy and paste to use as your template!

Thank you for your support!


<date>

The Honorable Megan J. Brennan
Postmaster General
United States Postal Service
475 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, D.C.  20260-0010

Dear Postmaster General Brennan:

I urge you to exercise your authority to issue an Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Research semipostal stamp. In July 2016 fellow advocate Kathy Siggins filed the requisite paperwork with your office. All of the major Alzheimer’s advocacy organizations – Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, The American Academy of Neurology, and UsAgainstAlzheimer’s – as well as countless citizens have joined us to support this action and 415 private citizens have left favorable comments on your blog, “Putting A Stamp on Good Causes”. In the year that has passed, more than 470,686 Americans have been diagnosed with this cruel and always fatal disease. Still we have not heard from you.

First described over 100 years ago, Alzheimer’s is now recognized as our nation’s 3rd leading cause of death and the only illness among the top ten for which there is no known prevention, treatment, or cure. The disease has a staggering reach: Roughly one out of every five of us is at risk of developing Alzheimer’s in our lifetime. Caring for those with Alzheimer’s costs the United States an estimated $236 billion each year in addition to the tremendous personal costs borne by families. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million — a 40 percent increase from the 5.3 million age 65 and older currently affected.

With a problem of such magnitude we must use every means available to move us swiftly towards a cure. The Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp is a highly symbolic method to raise awareness and allow ordinary citizens to show their support for individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease. As importantly, it would help raise much needed funds for medical research through the voluntary purchase of postage stamps with no appreciable cost to the taxpayers.

As you know, we currently have 2 semipostals, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal which, as of November 2016, has raised over $83.9 million for breast cancer research and the Save Vanishing Species semipostal, which has raised over $31 million. Even though the Semipostal Stamp Program Proposed Rules specifically state that the cause “furthers human welfare,” proceeds raised by selling the Save Vanishing Species semipostal goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Funds.

In 2008, the USPS issued the first ever Alzheimer’s Awareness commemorative stamp which has since been retired. At its unveiling, Postmaster General John Potter spoke these words: “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.”

It is now time for an Alzheimer’s Disease Semipostal Stamp – a stamp that would raise both awareness and funds and move us closer to prevention and a cure. On behalf of the the more than 5.3 million Americans suffering with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, their 15.5 million unpaid caregivers, and those yet to be diagnosed, I urge you to take action and provide hope where so little hope exists.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know when we might expect a decision on this matter.

Sincerely,

<your name>

 

 

 

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Alzheimer’s Semipostal Update: March 2016

08 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Help Stamp Out Alzheimer's, Life After Caregiving, USAgainstAlzheimer's, Washington

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Alzheimers advocacy, alzheimers awareness, alzheimers funding, alzheimers semipostal, help stamp out alzheimers

It is often said there are two kinds of people; those who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and those who will be. If you are part of the former group, you know how critical it is that we explore every possible avenue in our quest to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Did you know there is a simple way to procure additional funding for Alzheimer’s research without increasing taxes, discretionary spending, or the federal deficit? It’s called a semipostal stamp.

What is a Semipostal Stamp?

Simply put, a semipostal stamp is a fundraising stamp. Postal customers have the option of purchasing these stamps in lieu of regular First-Class stamps, at a slightly higher cost, and the additional revenue is used to raise money for a specific purpose. Semipostal stamps provide an easy and relatively inexpensive way for people to show their support for a given organization or cause.

In 1998, the Breast Cancer Research stamp was issued as the first semipostal in United States history. Since then, it has raised almost $81 million to further breast cancer research.

The Save Vanishing Species semipostal was issued in 2011 and has since raised funds to support the Multinational Species Conservation Funds.

For an Alzheimer’s advocate, the obvious question seems to be, why don’t we have an Alzheimer’s semipostal to fund research? Ask Kathy Siggins and Lynda Everman and they will tell you it certainly isn’t due to lack of trying! These two ladies have spent countless hours campaigning to make it happen…

Kathy’s Story

Kathy Siggins knows Alzheimer’s all too well. Her husband, Gene, was just 57 when she began noticing small changes that worried her.

“My late husband began showing signs of needing more direction when driving to familiar places. Forgetfulness and repetitive questions followed. He always took care of our finances in a timely manner, however, as he began to struggle and wanted no help, our arguments intensified,” explains Kathy.

In 1988, dementia forced Gene into early retirement, and during the course of his illness, Kathy became a determined advocate. She began sharing their story in 1997, and when Gene died two years later, her passion and resolve increased. With that came an intense desire to raise awareness and help find a cure. Like so many grieving caregivers, she was lost, and in many ways, it was advocacy work that helped her find her way.

Lynda’s Story

Lynda Everman has spent most of her adult life as a caregiver. Her journey began 22 years ago when her father began showing signs of dementia. Just a few years later, her husband, Richard, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at age 57.

“We were told the conversion of MCI to Alzheimer’s disease could occur in as little as three or as many as six years. In Richard’s case, it was 12 years. As the years passed, I began to believe that we had beat Alzheimer’s disease, that we had arrested its course, and that we would live out our lives with inconvenience and infrequent atrocity, but not the deep and pervasive sadness of constant loss that is dementia. But I was wrong. We were no match for Alzheimer’s disease. No one is,” says Lynda.

Lynda and Richard shared what she describes as “an unshakable belief in the power of the individual to make a difference and affect positive change.” As the disease progressed, Lynda’s determination grew, and she began to speak out about their experience. Soon she was attending town hall meetings and advocacy trips to her state capital.

Birth of an Idea

Just eight months after losing her husband, Kathy was attending an advocacy seminar when she first heard about the Breast Cancer Research stamp; up to that point, Kathy hadn’t been aware of the semipostal program. Now that she knew about it, if there was a possibility for an Alzheimer’s stamp, she had to make it happen. She reached out to her contacts at the USPS, and with that, her quest for an Alzheimer’s semipostal began.

In the summer of 2000, President Clinton signed the Semipostal Authorization Act into law, which gave the USPS the authority to issue more semipostals. When an RFP was issued looking for candidates, Kathy was ready. Her proposal included almost 12,000 signatures along with letters from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Kathy explains, “On September 7, 2001, I visited the offices of Senator Barbara Mikulski and Rep. Edward Markey.  Each office presented me with a copy of the letter they had sent under separate cover to the USPS in support of my proposal. Sixteen members of the Congressional Task Force signed the letter from Rep. Markey.”

Less than two weeks after the RFP submission deadline, the tragic events of 9/11 took place and the semipostal program was temporarily suspended.

Ultimately, the program was cancelled, and today, Kathy’s proposal remains pending with the USPS. When the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee told Kathy there wasn’t enough interest for an Alzheimer’s stamp, she set out to prove them wrong. Before it was all said and done, over 84,000 signatures had been collected.

By 2008, Kathy’s efforts and those of several key players in Washington had generated enough interest for the USPS to issue the short-lived Alzheimer’s Awareness Commemorative Stamp. Unfortunately, it went no further.

Meeting of the Minds

Meanwhile, Lynda had started her own semipostal campaign. Unaware of Kathy’s work, Lynda wrote letters to all of the living Presidents and First Ladies and anyone else she thought might have the influence needed to get the job done.

One day in 2012, while searching the Internet for information on the Alzheimer’s Awareness Commemorative Stamp, she ran across Kathy’s name for the first time. The two women with a shared passion first connected on Facebook and became fast friends.

The Alzheimer’s semipostal was introduced as a resolution in the 109th congressional session as well as the next three sessions, but it got no further. Finally, in 2013, Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts, introduced the legislation as a bill; H.R. 1508, to provide for the issuance of an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Semipostal Stamp. Several months later, Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland introduced companion bill S. 1091 in the Senate.

Continuing their crusade, Kathy and Lynda wrote and hand delivered letters to every member of Congress asking them to co-sponsor the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Semipostal Stamp. Despite a valiant effort, the bill never made it out of committee.

Fast Forward:  114th Congress 2015-2016

In 2015, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, introduced Alzheimer’s Action Now. This legislative package is comprised of four bills intended to help families affected by Alzheimer’s. Included in the package is H.R. 3092, the Alzheimer’s Disease Semipostal Stamp Act. Work is underway to have a companion bill introduced in the Senate.

As of this writing, H.R. 3092 has 62 co-sponsors, which is but a tiny percentage of the 435 voting members of the House. In order to move the bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote, much, much more support is needed and that’s where you come in! We need YOU to RAISE YOUR VOICE!

Call Your Congressperson

Look for your representatives’ name here to find out if they have already co-sponsored H.R. 3092. If you don’t see their name, CALL and ask them to co-sponsor the bill.

Dial the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and ask to be connected to your representative’s office.

When calling the office, ask to speak with the Health Legislative Aide. Be certain to let him or her know you are a constituent, as they often track the issues most important to their voters. Tell the staffer how strongly you feel about H.R. 3092 and ask for the representative’s co-sponsorship. Alternatively, write a letter requesting support for the bill; remember that sharing your personal story will help convey the human side of the issue.

If you don’t know the names of your representative(s), you can get that information, as well as the direct office phone number by visiting: http://www.contactinghecongress.org.

Contact the Postmaster General of the United States

Our friends at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, along with their partners and allies, are also calling for an Alzheimer’s Awareness and Research stamp. To that end, they have created a simple way for you to ask Postmaster General Megan Brennan to issue a semipostal that will help fund the search for a cure. Click here to add your name; it takes less than a minute and will make a big impact!

Once you’ve done that, share the link (http://actions.usagainstalzheimers.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=18465&track=at_fb_03062016&tag=at_fb_03062016&okay=True) widely via email and social media!

The time is NOW! All avenues for funding must be explored until all possibilities are exhausted. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death in the top 10 in our country that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. Without a medical breakthrough, a projected 14 million individuals will be living with the disease by 2050, and the cost to our country will rise to an estimated $1.1 trillion.

The numbers illustrate a compelling urgency and dire need for action, yet Alzheimer’s remains grossly underfunded as compared to cancer, heart disease and HIV AIDS. Please join the fight by taking action. Imagine the power we could harness if each of us just did one thing!

 

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Important: CALL to ACTION!

03 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Help Stamp Out Alzheimer's, USAgainstAlzheimer's

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Tags

alzheimers, Alzheimers advocacy, alzheimers semipostal, alzheimers stamp, help stamp out alzheimers

Calling all who loathe Alzheimer’s and want to see it stopped!!!

I received the email below this morning and felt compelled to share it. Please take two seconds to answer friend and super-advocate Lynda Everman‘s plea. She and Kathy Siggins​ have been lobbying for this for years and the time has come! We NEED an Alzheimer’s semipostal (fundraising) stamp… It’s easy to help – just click here  and add your name. Let’s inundate the Postmaster General with an overwhelmingly powerful ask!! Thank you!! #HelpStampOutAlzheimers

=====================================

Friends –

As a caregiver for my late husband and an activist with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, I know the toll Alzheimer’s takes on both patients and their loved ones, and the urgent need for a cure.

With enough funding for research, an end to this devastating disease is within reach. One untapped source of funding is the Postal Service’s semipostal stamp program, which allows consumers to pay a little bit extra to donate to important causes.

Earlier this month UsAgainstAlzheimer’s wrote to the Postmaster General urging her to establish a new semipostal program benefiting Alzheimer’s research, but now she needs to hear from YOU to ensure the Postal Service makes this a priority.

Add your voice: Join UsAgainstAlzheimer’s in calling for an Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp to fund the search for a cure!

Previous stamps have raised tens of millions for breast cancer research, and a new Alzheimer’s Awareness and Research stamp would be an incredible opportunity to raise awareness and support lifesaving Alzheimer’s research.

If each of us writes the Postmaster General, we can send a clear message that it’s time to create a semipostal stamp for Alzheimer’s to fund the search for a cure.

Thank you for adding your voice,

Lynda Everman

 

Please click below to ask the Postal Service to help fund the search for a cure with a new semipostal stamp and share the link widely on social media, encouraging friends to participate!

http://actions.usagainstalzheimers.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=18465&okay=True

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Between 2009 and 2015, Marilyn’s Mighty Memory Makers have raised over $22,000 in the fight to #ENDALZ! To all who have supported us, THANK YOU!!

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