Pretty in pink: Marco’s post office supports breast cancer month

Marco Island postal workers Brenda Treadwell (left), Julio Mayo, Joe Abila and acting Postmaster Dana Mitchell display October's breast cancer research stamps on Monday amid pink decorations and prizes, an incentive for those who purchase sheets of stamps by the end of the month. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent

Carrie Darling purchases this years' breast cancer research stamp on Monday at the Marco Island Post Office. Her aunt died of the disease in 2007. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent

MARCO ISLAND — Tales of heartache and loss punctuate conversations about breast cancer. As an ever-present killer, the ravages of the disease consume mothers, wives, loved-ones, and even the month of October.

If pink were a cure, the disease would already be eradicated. A trip to Marco Island’s post office makes that clear.

In an effort to support breast cancer research, pink ribbons, pink balloons, pink flowers, pink packages, pink posters and even a special stamp make going to the counter a time to reflect on breast cancer’s impact.

As Carrie Darling approached the sales counter on Monday, she met postal clerk Julio Mayo who began the transaction with a single question.

“Would you like to buy a breast cancer stamp?’ he asked.

Darling purchased a sheet of them.

“Walking in here makes you think about it,” Darling said. “My aunt died of breast cancer and passed away in 2007. She was 53. It was a trying time for the family, and this is a good reminder that no matter what age you are, you need to take time for yourself and get tested.”

More people approached the counter and bought breast cancer stamps. Dana Mitchell, acting postmaster, explained the importance of each purchase.

“They’re not just buying a stamp, their contributing $.11 to cancer research for each stamp purchased,” she explained. The special stamps called “semipostal” stamps sell for $.55 and can be posted as a forever first-class or $.44 stamp. The additional $.11 joins millions of other donations and the pennies add up.

Since the first of October Mitchell’s staff has sold more than $5,000 in breast cancer research stamps. Last year, more than $20,000 was contributed to research from the October campaign in Lee and Collier Counties’ post offices.

“The Marco Island Post Office is 10th in sales in the Sun Coast District,” Mitchell said, “but I hope people come in and buy the stamps so we can be No. 1.”

There a special gift for each sheet of stamps purchased. For one sheet, customers receive a little card of thanks with a calendar. For three or more sheets, buyers get a pink bracelet to show their support of breast cancer research.

Those purchasing five or more sheets can enter a drawing for prizes that will be given out the first week of November. Prizes include two $25 gift certificates from City Seafood in Everglades City, a gift basket from the Publix Supermarket in Town Center, and baskets from Winn Dixie and Marco Office Supply.

The breast cancer research stamp is sold year-round and has been a fundraiser through the U.S. Post Office since 1998. During that time, the stamp generated $75 million for cancer research.

“The decorations really made a difference,” Mitchell said. “In the five days prior to decorating, we sold $150 worth of breast cancer research stamps. After we decorated, we sold $1,000 the first day.”

Curing a disease that affects 1-in-8 women would be reason enough to buy the breast cancer research stamps. The decoration and reminders from Mitchell and the post office crew add the “pink” icing on the cake.