The Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp, Originally Issued In 1998, Is Being Reissued In 2014. Semipostals Are Stamps Sold At A Surcharge To Raise Money For A Particular Cause. 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. The Stamp Art Depicts A Woman Standing With Her Right Arm Raised, Reaching Behind Her Head In The Position Recommended For Breast Self-Examination. The Drawing Of The Womans Body Is Set Against A Background Of Pastel Colors Ranging From Yellow To Violet That Cover The Entire Face Of The Stamp. Across The Top Of The Stamp Are The Words "Breast Cancer." Circling The Figures Right Breast Are The Phrases, In All Caps, "Fund The Fight." And "Find A Cure." Art Director Ethel Kessler, Herself A Breast Cancer Survivor, Faced A Challenge In Designing The Stamp. She Wanted A Design That Brought Awareness To The Importance Of Breast Cancer Research While Offering A Positive And Uplifting Image. After Working With Variations On The Theme Of Pink Ribbons-The Symbol Of Breast Cancer Awareness-And Photographs That Struck Her As Too Melancholy, Kessler Turned To Artist Whitney Sherman For Other Ideas. Sherman Produced Many Sketches, But One Stood Out From The Others. A Woman Stands With Her Right Arm Raised, Reaching Behind Her Head In The Position Recommended For Breast Self-Examination. The Pose Reminded The Artist Of Depictions Of The Ancient Greek Goddess Of The Hunt, Artemis (Diana To The Romans), Reaching Back To Pull An Arrow From The Quiver Hanging From Her Shoulder. The Archetype Represented By Artemis Signifies Strength, Courage, Survival, And Hope, All The Emotions That The Art Director And Artist Hoped To Capture In The Stamp Art. This Version Of The Stamp Is Valued As A Forever Stamp, Valid For First-Class, One Ounce Postage Or Towards The Total Mailing Cost Of Any Usps Shipment
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