SYD KRONISH | Stamps Raising awareness of sickle cell disease
One small step for mankind. One small stamp to help find a cure for a most complicated and little known disease -- sickle cell disease.
In continuation of its tradition to raise public awareness of health and social issues, the U.S. Postal Service will issue a new Sickle Cell Disease commemorative stamp for release next year.
What is sickle cell disease?
It's a group of inhibited disorders that affect the red blood cells. Victims are usually diagnosed at birth. Research indicates that sickle cell disease has been known to the people of Africa for hundreds of years. The first description of the disease was by Chicago physician James B. Herrick who noted that a patient from the West Indies had an anemia characterized by unusual red cells that were "sickle shaped."
Statistics
It is estimated that more than 70,000 Americans have sickle cell disease and more than 2 million have sickle cell "traits" -- meaning that they carry one part of the disease.
There is no universal cure for the disease, though many people given proper treatment can live fairly normal lives from childhood to their 40s and even beyond. Research continues to look for a cure and for new and more effective treatments.
The design of the new upcoming stamp will feature a mother holding her baby. An inscription reads "Test Early For Sickle Cell." It conveys the importance of early testing. The designer of the stamp is James Gurney of Rhinebeck, NY.
Since the mid-1950s, the Postal Service has issued stamps that highlight social awareness concerns. Recently the USPS has included Breast Cancer Research, Organ and Tissue Donation, Prostate Cancer, Hospice Care, Adoption, Diabetes, AIDS Awareness and Neuter or Spay Pets.
More information about the sickle cell disease stamp will be reported here when it becomes available. Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, can be obtained by toll free phone request at (800) STAMP-24.
A 2002 review
What happened in the U.S. stamp world last year?
The complete review of 2002 is told in Linn's "U.S. Stamp Yearbook 2002," which compiles each of the 242 collectible varieties of stamps and stationery issued by the USPS during that year. It was written by philatelic author and editor George Amick.
One of the highlights of 2002 was the issuance of the Postal Service's semi-postal stamp called "Heroes of 2001." The stamp sold for 45 cents with the amount in excess of the first class rate of 37 cents going to the families of emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty Sept. 11, 2001.
The Yearbook is a 432-page reference, with nearly 700 pictures. It is available in softcover for $25 and hardcover for $35. To obtain the book, visit your local stamp dealer or phone Amos Hobby Publishing at (800) 572-6885.