The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give blood or platelets during Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October to help 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 in 2019.

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. Any who come to give blood or platelets during October will be entered for a chance to win one of five $500 gift cards redeemable at hundreds of merchants.

To schedule an appointment or look for locations, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call (800)733-2767, or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.