DATE: ___________________________

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Stamp Development
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn Street  Room 5013
Arlington, VA  22209-6432

Dear Sir or Madam:

Although more than one million Americans suffer from Aphasia (uh-fay'-zhuh), most people have never heard the word.  Aphasia is a language problem in which a person has difficulty finding words and forming sentences to express thoughts.  Aphasia does not affect a person's memory or intelligence, but can impede understanding of others' words.  Imagine if you were living in a foreign country where you did not speak, read, or write the language.  Like the person with Aphasia, you'd be fully aware of what was happening around you, but unable to answer questions, share your thoughts or ask for help.  Think of the impact this would have on your ability to work, form friendships, or take part in recreational activities like going to the movies or reading a novel!

Aphasia affects not just stroke or brain injury survivors, but also their friends, relatives, and employers.  People with Aphasia lose more than just their words; they lose jobs, relationships, and often, their sense of self.

In a 2003 survey conducted by the National Aphasia Association, the most frequently cited need of people with Aphasia was for greater understanding and awareness of Aphasia.  There may be no better way to raise awareness of Aphasia among the American public than through a postage stamp.

We hope the Post Office will issue an Aphasia postage stamp to "speak" on behalf of those who cannot.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

__________________________________
Name (please print)

__________________________________
Address

__________________________________
City/State/Zip code

Return all signed letters to:
National Aphasia Association
350 Seventh Ave. Suite 902
New York, NY  10001