Next week begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to fight the disease by buying the Breast Cancer Research stamp at any post office. This semipostal stamp has raised $44 million since ‘97 nationwide. In Charleston, someone who believes in the power of the Breast Cancer Research stamp is customer Eugene Platt. This marks the 4th year that Platt will kick off the observance by purchasing over $1000 worth of Breast Cancer Research stamps on October 2nd at the James Island Post Office. He started in ‘03, buying $1000 worth and has bought $100 worth of additional stamps each year since. Including this year, his total purchases will amount to $4600.

Platt’s effort has become the first media event of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Low country and it serves to honor the memory of his beloved wife, Mary, who died of the disease in 2003. “I do this to raise awareness in the fight against this disease,” said Platt, “and to honor Mary, whom we miss each day.”

Reprinted from The Metro Leader