Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Presents
Senator Feinstein with Special Recognition Award
September 19, 2000

Washington, DC - The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation today honored U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) with a special recognition award for her work to advance breast cancer research and education.

"I am honored that the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has recognized my efforts to expand research into the causes and cures of breast cancer," Senator Feinstein said. "Through increased research and education, we are becoming more able to prevent breast cancer before it occurs or to detect it at a point when it can be treated effectively."

Senator Feinstein has long been a leader in the fight against all types of cancer. She is a co-chair of the Senate Cancer Coalition and vice-chair of the National Dialogue on Cancer, which is chaired by President and Mrs. Bush and is made up of over 120 leading cancer organizations.

In addition, Senator Feinstein sponsored the legislation that authorized the Breast Cancer Research Stamp - the first U.S. semipostal stamp. This past year, Senator Feinstein joined forces with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) to lead the fight to reauthorize the stamp for an additional two years. As of September 11, 2000, 232 million Breast Cancer Research Stamps have been sold by the U.S. Postal Service. These sales have raised over $16.8 million for breast cancer research.

"The Breast Cancer Research Stamp allows ordinary people, in a simple, effective way, to contribute to the fight against breast cancer," Senator Feinstein continued. "Each time any of us mails a breast cancer stamp, we raise public awareness about the disease and provide funds for innovative research."

On September 6, 2000, the National Cancer Institute awarded $6.7 million to 31 applicants as part of the first round of funding from the proceeds of the Breast Cancer stamp.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. From its inception through the end of fiscal year 1998, the Foundation has raised in excess of $214 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs across the country.