Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer
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.
Use this form to dedicate a Luminaria bag in honor of, in memory of, or in support of a loved one or someone you know who has been impacted by cancer. Upload a design to help light the path of hope for cancer survivors or thrivers currently undergoing treatment or to remember someone we have lost to cancer.
Please log your volunteer hours through Microsoft's GIVE program by searching for the American Cancer Society, Inc. and selecting the project Light Up the Globe: Honor Every Life Touched by Cancer.
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.
- Donate to the American Cancer Society and Microsoft will match your donations.
- Create a Luminaria bag and log your volunteer hours.
- Join a Relay For Life event: United States or Global
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."
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
In Honor Of Christine Protan
Glad you beat breast cancer!
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of Jay Patel
Stay strong and know you have friend routing for you to fight. I dont want to loose any more friends after loosing one.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Cancer Patients
You are strong and you can do it!
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Lisa Robinson
Thinking of my sister today, who not only went through treatment for throat cancer, but also recently had lumpectomies to reduce breast cancer risk. Given that she is a diabetic, this created even more health worries. She has been very strong for herself and for her family throughout both ordeals. And is now in remission and back to as normal as possible. :)
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Children
Lean on your loved ones, your healthcare team, and the support networks available to you. There will be moments of fear and doubt, but also moments of profound strength and hope. Celebrate the small wins, cherish the support you receive, and never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Know that you are stronger than you think, braver than you believe, and more loved than you can imagine. The path ahead may be challenging, but your spirit is unbreakable. Keep fighting, keep hoping.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of FutureCancerWarriers
If you ever find yourself facing the formidable challenge of cancer, know this: you are not alone. You are surrounded by a community of warriors, survivors, and supporters who understand the depth of your struggle and the strength you possess. You have within you an incredible reservoir of courage, resilience, and hope. Every step you take, no matter how difficult, is a testament to your bravery and determination. Your journey may be tough, but remember that each day you fight is a victory.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Pam Custer
My dear friend, nothing can take the word of God off your tongue or from your mouth! Thank you for being such an amazing and courageous friend! Keep fighting this fight and know we are with you every step of the way. Much love, Mary Beth
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Jackson N
Cancer is terrible and especially when it hits a child. Even though it's 10 years behind you now as you come into your adult years, you fought hard and flipped the script! Each year I watch you gather toys and gifts to give to other children in their fight. I see you gathering gift cards for parents who are "stuck" in the hospital. Even though you live in a different state now, you always come back to give big gifts at the hospital where you found healing. You're the real one Jackson!
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Our neighbors
We honor your legacy by remembering the kindness, laughter, and the bonds we shared. Your influence lives on in the stories we tell, the lessons we’ve learned, and the love we continue to feel for you. You are missed deeply, but your presence remains in the very fabric of our community, reminding us to cherish every moment and to live our lives with the same strength and grace you exemplified.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of My neighbors
To all the cherished neighbors we've lost to cancer, we remember you with deep love, respect, and gratitude. Each of you brought unique light and joy to our community, touching our lives in profound ways that continue to resonate even in your absence. Your strength, courage, and unwavering spirit during your battles with cancer are forever etched in our hearts. Though cancer may have taken you from us, it could never diminish the impact you made on our lives or the memories we hold dear.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Debbie Layden
Aunt Debbie, I know these days have been tough, but you are by far tougher! Your strength and courage inspire me and I'm so grateful that you are winning this fight. You got this! Mary Beth
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Mom
Your journey has been a testament to your incredible spirit and the depth of your love for us all. I am endlessly grateful for the example you have set, showing me that with faith, love, and perseverance, we can overcome anything. You are my hero, and I am so proud to be your son.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of Alice Johnson
In memory of my grandmother, who passed away in 2006 just a few days short of her 95th birthday. After overcoming breast cancer in her 60s, they found cancer in the other breast - with the news delivered on her 85th birthday. Her strength in going through treatment - and living almost another 10 years - is astounding and inspiring.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Mom
Watching you fight with such grace and unwavering hope has been a powerful lesson in the strength of the human spirit. You not only faced your illness head-on, but you did so with a positivity that brought light even in the darkest moments. Your smile, your laughter, and your love remained constant, reminding me that hope is stronger than any adversity.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Honor Of Mom
I wanted to take a moment to express how deeply I admire and am inspired by you. Your strength and resilience during your battle with cancer have left me in awe. Through every challenge and obstacle, you faced each day with a courage and determination that showed me the true meaning of bravery.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago