During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood or platelets to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and more than 268,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Donors of all blood types, especially platelet donors and those with type O blood, are needed to ensure a stable supply for cancer patients and others this fall. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets during the month of October will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants, courtesy of Tango Card. Terms apply, see rcblood.org/game for details.

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Upcoming blood donation opportunities

• Oct. 18 – Cedars of Austin, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Oct. 21 – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1-7 p.m.

• Oct. 22 – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, noon to 6 p.m.

• Oct. 23 – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Oct. 31 – Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, noon to 6 p.m.