Spread COPD Awareness via US Postage Stamp

Spread COPD Awareness via a U.S. Postage Stamp

We the undersigned are requesting that the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee consider the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Gold Ribbon as a new U.S. Stamp design subject. 
COPD is a national issue of importance as it impacts 24 million Americans, and one that requires extraordinary efforts to increase awareness among the American public.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is an umbrella term used to describe lung diseases associated with airflow obstruction.  Generally speaking, Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis, either alone or in combination falls into this category.  COPD is a debilitating, life-threatening disease that is treatable but cannot be reversed.  COPD causes an excessive inflammatory process that, in time stretches out your lungs and causes them to lose the elasticity they need to move the air and help you breathe.  This abnormality in lung function causes shortness of breath, chronic coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest.

 - Chronic means it won't go away
 - Obstructive means partially blocked
 - Pulmonary means in the lungs
 - Disease means sickness

COPD is the second leading cause of disability, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and will cost the Country $49.9 billion in 2010.  More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed  with COPD.
An additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD but there are also genetic, environmental, and occupational risk factors. Long-term exposure to lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust, also may contribute to COPD.
COPD develops slowly.  Symptoms often worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities.  There is no cure for COPD thus far and no known treatment to reverse damage to the obstructed airways and diseased lungs.  However there are many ways in which people impacted by COPD can improve their health if they are diagnosed early and properly managed.

The statistics surely prove that more must be done to bring COPD awareness to the public.  Through media exposure, community efforts',  the internet, educational publications, and simply by word of mouth the lives of people impacted by this deadly disease can be improved.  Educating lung disease individuals and their families is the key to living and coping with COPD on a daily basis and bringing us one step closer to reversing this breathless lung disease.

Lori Palermo who lost her Dad in December 2003 of COPD/Emphysema designed a COPD Awareness Gold Ribbon Lapel Pin the color for COPD Awareness (as most diseases are linked to a particular color). 
Lori is now an Advocate For Lung Disease Awareness & Smokefree Living dedicated to bringing awareness to COPD individuals, their families, and caregivers concerning this debilitating disease.

This is a subject that is very near and dear to our hearts, therefore, we would like to genuinely thank you for taking the time to read over our petition and consider using the COPD Awareness Gold Ribbon as a new U.S. Postage Stamp. 
The release of a COPD Awareness Stamp will help reach vulnerable Americans of all races, ethnicities, and income levels in a way that is not possible with any other vehicle.

Attached is a picture of the COPD Awareness Gold Ribbon along with COPD websites that explain more about this disease and the need to bring awareness to the public and media.
Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life

NHLBI Learn More Breathe Better Campaign

US COPD Coalition

COPD Foundation

COPD International

COPD-ALERT

Breathing Better, Living Well

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