Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer

Light Up The Globe - Header Image

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!
1,803 of 1000 Goal
1,803 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

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of All cancer patients

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria photo
In Memory Of Mary Paranchu

We miss you ammama..You stood tall and strong in your fight. Your selflessness and love will forever shine.

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of All the brave hearts

We all are together in this. Whole humanity learnt from brave survivors that it takes only courage to win any battle

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of Cancer warriors

Be strong, Be brave and be positive

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Memory Of My Mother

My mom is my super hero

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria photo
In Memory Of ALL THE WARRIERS!

You are an Inspiration! “Cancer cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit.” “Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death.” “When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds, and diamonds are made under pressure.”

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria photo
In Support Of ALL THE WARRIERS!

“You are not in this battle alone. We love you and will keep you in our prayers.”

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Memory Of Muniya masi

You were amazing. Thank you!

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Memory Of Mariamma & David

You both lived your life to the fullest.So proud of you both Vellyapachan and veliyammachi

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria photo
In Support Of ALL

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of Cancer fighters

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria photo
In Support Of ALL THE WARRIERS

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagined.”

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Memory Of Grandmother

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of All who impacted

Be strong, Be brave and be positive - anything can be defeated.

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Honor Of Lakshay Nagpal

Lakshay, you are not only a fighter but a true inspiration for everyone!

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share

Luminaria background Luminaria thumbnail
In Support Of Anjana

Your daughters are your strength. You are strong, brave, and resilient. You can overcome anything.

Shared from India 1 year ago

Enlarge and share