Reporter-News Archives Wednesday, February 17, 1999 Hospice care commemorative stamp issued By DIRK FILLPOT Staff Writer A commemorative U.S. stamp for hospice care was unveiled in Abilene Tuesday. "Since the first commemorative stamps began over 100 years ago, they brought attention to important issues," said Roger Swart, customer relations coordinator for the post office. Like all stamps, though, they’re useless unless they’re circulated, he said. "We want you to use it," Swart said. "We want it to be out there each and every day." Special cancellations, available for 30 days, honor the Big Country hospice organizations -- Hendrick Hospice Care and Hospice of the Big Country. The special cancellation stamps increase their value to collectors and make them more of a keepsake. Getting the message out to the community helps hospice organizations accomplish their goals, said Denae Wood, executive director of Hospice of the Big Country. "We want to make sure everyone in the Big Country has a good death," Wood said. The Big Country hospice organization was founded in 1992 to bring dignity and meaning to people throughout the area. Before it offered hospice services to the region, hospice care was only available to Abilenians through the Hospice of Abilene. The stamp recognizing hospice care is among 30 issued this year out of more than 40,000 applicants, she said. "We’re very glad for that," Wood said. "It’s kind of like hospice is becoming a fabric of American life." David Stephenson, executive director of Hendrick Hospice Care, said the attention the stamp raises should improve the quality of life for many area residents. "Every individual should be able to make a decision about how they want to live the last few months of their life," Stephenson said. The stamps are available for purchase at post offices. A prostate cancer awareness stamp will be available later this year. Dirk Fillpot can be reached at 676-6738 or by e-mail at fillpotd@abinews.com Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:  texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local News Texas News Copyright ©1999, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications