Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer

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The American Cancer Society (ACS) has a long history of reducing barriers for cancer patients in the U.S., but cancer knows no borders. Our global mission spans 57 countries, focused on cancer prevention, reducing suffering, shaping global policy, and empowering local cancer organizations to increase visibility and awareness.

We are excited to continue partnering with Microsoft employees year-round to give cancer organizations around the world a platform to increase their visibility and generate cancer awareness. The ACS Relay For Life Program unites 35 countries from 6 continents with Global Relay For Life events to bring people together to honor those affected by cancer and light up the dark by displaying Luminaria bags that are decorated in remembrance of patients, survivors, and those we have lost.

We invite you to help light up the globe by dedicating a Luminaria bag to a loved one or a co-worker who has lost their battle to cancer, in honor of those who won and those who are still fighting the disease. Be sure to log your volunteer hours or have your donations matched by Microsoft.

Light Up The Globe - Header Image
Light Up the Globe with Luminaria!
1,849 of 1000 Goal
1,849 dedicated in 2024
Create your own with this Canva template.
Use your Microsoft email if available. You will only receive a one-time confirmation.

Get Involved

Continue the momentum of Microsoft employees who have dedicated 2,725 Luminaria's in 27 participating countries. Through Microsoft's volunteer matching, $29,853 benefited the American Cancer Society and India-based employees matching supported the Indian Cancer Society, raising $24,989.

Our Global Work

The American Cancer Society's global work is focused on lower-income countries, where we work across the full cancer continuum, predominantly in national referral hospitals, often the only facilities where cancer is currently addressed. We seek measurable results in countries where Ministries of Health, hospitals and civil society partners can make the most significant impact. Areas of prioritization include controlling risk factors, infection-associated cancers, women's cancers, and pediatric/adolescent cancers.

Our flagship program, the Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation (BEACON) Initiative, strengthens health institutions and cancer organizations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through patient navigation—a proven model of patient-centered care. Drawing on our success with this model in the U.S., we are helping LMICs improve cancer outcomes and patient experiences.

Our global cancer preventative work is focused on preventing and treating cervical cancer. One woman dies of cervical cancer every two minutes resulting in over 340,000 preventable deaths annually and 9 out of 10 cervical cancer deaths globally occur on LMICs. For example, India has 1 in 5 cases of cervical cancer in the world but has less than a 5% screening rate. The HPV Vaccine and cervical cancer screening are both underutilized but effective tools for prevention.

Our Global Patient Support team works with health care facilities and organizations in LMICs to help cancer patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey by promoting patient-centered care through the implementation of patient navigation and cancer education for patients and caregivers. The goal is to remove barriers to care, reduce patient suffering, increase treatment adherence, and improve health outcomes. The team provides training, guidance, and mentorship to health care facilities and cancer-focused organizations to ensure that cancer patient care and support services are coordinated, comprehensive, and effective.

"When I learned that I had cancer, I was very scared. However, after meeting with Helen, one of the navigators, I learned a lot more about cancer and felt encouraged to seek treatment. Helen served as an advisor throughout my difficult journey through chemotherapy, as she helped me learn about the side effects of treatment and how I could manage them. Now, I'm almost finished with treatment and am deeply grateful for all that the navigation team has done to help me through this time."

39-year-old patient with breast cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital

The American Cancer Society has a long history of working to reduce barriers for cancer patients in the United States (US). However, the needs of cancer patients and their families in LMICs can be even greater than for patients in the US. These patients are often more vulnerable due to higher rates of poverty, health facilities and systems that are severely under-resourced (e.g., specialized staff, equipment, medicines, etc.), low levels of understanding cancer, and limited patient support services. All these factors contribute to poor health outcomes.

To learn more, please visit our global work website.

Recent Luminarias

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In Honor Of John Park

I would like to dedicate this Luminaria to my father, John Y. Park, a Korean War veteran and a 3x cancer survivor.

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In Honor Of Farrah

Your strength through your journey was inspiring. I am so glad to see you on the other side of this fight carrying that same strength with you.

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In Memory Of Abby Epeneter

F#ck Cancer

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In Support Of Thanasi

You are our Marathon Man!

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In Honor Of Barbara Heath

In honor of my grandmother Barbara Heath, I honor your fight against cancer and stand with you in hope. To the brave souls fighting cancer, and to the families and friends standing by their side, know that you are not alone. Your strength, resilience, and courage in the face of this challenge is truly inspiring. Every day brings new advancements in medicine and treatment, and a renewed hope for a brighter future. Keep faith in the possibilities of tomorrow, we are cheering you on.

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In Memory Of Kalyse Breen

Kalyse, you shined brighter than the sun. Your compassion and love for others was felt and seen every day. Your smile was contagious as well as that adorable giggle of yours. I miss you and you're forever loved.

Shared from United States of America 1 month ago

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In Support Of Courtney Joerns

We are all on your side! You can do this xoxo

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In Memory Of Lucille Contini

You live on through those you raised, touched, and connected with in your too short life. We cherish the memories we made and the strength you instilled in us.

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In Support Of Families

In support of families impacted by cancer, as caregivers, patients , survivors,and loved ones

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In Honor Of Lori Cooper

I am inspired by your strength and courage in fighting and beating breast cancer. Love you!

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In Support Of My Aunt

My aunt is fighting the ovarian cancer, and i dedicate this luminaria bag to her.

Shared from India 1 month ago

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In Support Of Arjun Jha

I am so proud of your journey! I can see you as an animal conservationist, making such a difference to all the animals of the world!

Shared from India 1 month ago

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In Memory Of Holly Raines

Holly, I see you when I see sunflowers, when I'm taking in a scenic view, when I'm trying new, delicious, and exciting foods, and when I see your amazing son growing into the best human being. I miss you dearly, the world lost so much when it lost you.

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In Memory Of Shaderi

I still can't believe you're gone but I am so honored to have been a part of your life and the impact you had.

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In Memory Of Randy Humphries

We miss you and we love you, Dad. Eric and Willie send all their love!

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In Support Of all cancer patients

Creating this in support of all those directly and indirectly affected by cancer. We are in this together!

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