During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to provide hope and healing to patients fighting cancer by donating blood.

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.

In August 2016, Myel Bowers-Smith went to the doctor for what she thought was a breast infection from a mosquito bite after a vacation in Cancun. Instead, she received a devastating diagnosis: she had stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, a very rare and aggressive breast carcinoma. Ms Bowers-Smith, a US Army veteran, committed to fighting for her life.

“Once I began fighting, I knew I had to remain strong,” she said. Her aggressive care plan included five different chemotherapy treatments and steroids.

Like many patients with cancer, Ms Bower-Smith needed multiple blood product transfusions. Cancer patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy may require red blood cell or platelet transfusions. In fact, more than half of all platelets collected by the Red Cross are used by patients with cancer.

After months of grueling treatments, in August 2017, Ms Bowers-Smith celebrated the news that her cancer was in remission. Today, she enjoys sharing her story and encouraging others to be a blessing by donating blood or platelets.

“Eligible donors, you have something good — which is your blood. A pint of blood can help save lives,” she said.

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.

Newtown’s next American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, from 1 to 6 pm, at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.

As a Thank You, those who give blood or platelets during 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.

Multiple blood drives are scheduled across Fairfield County this month, including in Bridgeport, Danbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, and Trumbull.

Visit redcrossblood.org for the full schedule, details, blood donation appointments, and additional information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.