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 Support Of Narayan Vasanth
Dear Papa, I know you are going through a tough time and the cancer is causing a lot of pain. We all want you remain strong and positive. This time will pass and we will have better future ahead.
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Support Of In Support Of Cancer
Shared from United States of America 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of Mahavir
I would like to dedicate this tribute to my loved one, in honor of their strength, resilience, and the inspiration they've given to everyone around them in the fight against cancer.
Shared from India 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of My friend's mom
Dear Sujatha Aunty, Your strength through this battle with cancer has been nothing short of inspiring. I can only imagine the courage it’s taken to face each day with such resolve. Your bravery has not gone unnoticed and has left a lasting mark on your family and every one of us who care about you. You are a true warrior, and your spirit continues to shine bright. Sending you all my love and admiration, Kiran Kumbhar
Shared from India 3 weeks ago
In Support Of All Cancer patients
You are the bravest creatures on earth !
Shared from India 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of Mrs. Dimple Raj
Dimple was a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She fought valiantly against cervical cancer, celebrating her victory with resilience and hope. Unfortunately, the disease returned, but Dimple faced her challenges with grace and unwavering strength. Her spirit continues to inspire those around her, reminding us to cherish each moment and support one another in the fight against cancer. I honor her memory with this Luminaria bag, celebrating her courage and the love she shared.
Shared from India 3 weeks ago
In Memory Of Mrs. Priya Murugesan
In loving memory of Priya, who bravely fought cervical cancer for six years, I honor her strength and resilience. Priya's spirit and courage inspired those around her, reminding us of all of the importance of hope and love. As I dedicate this Luminaria bag in her memory, I light the path for current survivors and thrivers, celebrating Priya’s life and the lasting impact she made on our hearts. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly.
Shared from India 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Linda Blanco
Your journey as a cancer survivor has been truly remarkable. Through every challenge, you stood as the emotional rock of our family, always resilient. Despite your own struggles, you worked tirelessly and supported each of us with unwavering strength.
Shared from Philippines 3 weeks ago
In Support Of My mentor
I appreciate the mentorship that you provide me both as a person as well as an individual. Not only through listening to me but also by being a role model. I appreciate it even more since you do this while also fighting cancer.
Shared from Japan 3 weeks ago
In Support Of Cancer patients
Each Luminaria bag represents a powerful symbol of support, strength, and remembrance. These glowing tributes honor the courage of cancer fighters, survivors, and those we have lost. Every lighted bag shines as a reminder of the resilience within each patient and the unwavering hope shared by families, friends, and communities.
Shared from India 3 weeks ago