As part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s ‘Light The Night Walks’ fundraising campaign, Random Acts of Light Day is celebrated every year on June 13. This day encourages us to do a random act of kindness to bring light into the life of someone suffering from cancer. People observe the day by volunteering at hospitals, reading up on treatments and cures for blood cancer patients, or joining the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walks to raise funds and increase awareness about leukemia and lymphoma. Random Acts of Light Day aims to make the world a kinder place for cancer patients and their families.
History of Random Acts of Light Day
Random Acts of Light Day was started by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), which is the world’s largest voluntary health agency for blood cancer patients. On this day, observers are expected to bring light to patients suffering from blood- and other cancers. It is not unusual to see celebrities turning up at hospitals and volunteer centers to visit patients and survivors of blood cancer and surprising them. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to observe the day — anyone who’s willing to do a kind act can participate in Random Acts of Light Day!
The day was created to raise awareness and educate the masses about blood cancer and its possible treatments. It is also a day to advocate for the need to fund research for blood cancer so that patients can have access to treatments and live a more comfortable life. Blood cancer is the third most common deadly type of cancer in the United States. Data shows that every nine minutes, a life is lost to blood cancer — that’s almost 160 deaths a day. Approximately 1.3 million people in the United States suffer from blood cancer. The three main types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and the marrow, and it can be either acute or chronic. Acute leukemia spreads quickly while chronic leukemia progresses at a slower pace. In fact, it is the most common cancer among those under 20 and above the age of 60.
Random Acts of Light Day timeline
Rudolf Virchow discovers a rare blood disease and names it ‘leukämie.’
Cancer chemotherapy is developed with the first use of nitrogen mustards and folic acid antagonist drugs.
Antoinette and Rudolph de Villiers establish the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in New York City.
The National Cancer Act aims to effectively carry out a national effort against cancer in the United States.
Random Acts of Light Day FAQs
How long is the Light the Night Walk?
Random Acts of Light Day is celebrated annually on June 13.
How long is the Light the Night Walk?
The route for the Light the Night Walk is less than two miles long.
Who started Random Acts of Light Day?
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society started Random Acts of Light Day.
Random Acts of Light Day Activities
Surprise a hospital patient
Surprise a hospital patient by bringing them a delicious meal, flowers, and a card. You can also just visit them for a friendly chat.
Plan a day out
Plan a fun day with a blood cancer patient. If they are feeling strong enough, you can take them to a movie, a tournament, or even visit a museum together.
Donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society works tirelessly to fund research for blood cancer. You can donate to the organization or volunteer your time.
5 Facts About Cancer That Will Blow Your Mind
Smoking kills
Smoking causes 90% of lung cancers and has killed almost 50 million people in the last decade.
Cancer deaths are preventable
Researchers believe that more than half of all cancer deaths are potentially preventable.
The elderly are more susceptible to cancer
Approximately 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in people who are 55 years or older.
The most common form of cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. — it affects over two million people every year.
Cancer can be hereditary
It is estimated that 5–10% of all cancers are hereditary.
Why We Love Random Acts of Light Day
It celebrates kindness
This is a day that celebrates acts of kindness. Random Acts of Light Day reminds us that even the smallest kind deed can make someone happy.
It raises awareness about blood cancer
This day raises awareness about blood cancer, and its treatments and cures. Organizations and volunteers also come together to fund research and treatments.
It anticipates a happy future
Random Acts of Light Day makes people knowledgeable about blood cancers in the hope that treatments and cures will be easily available in the future.
Random Acts of Light Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 13 | Friday |
2026 | June 13 | Saturday |
2027 | June 13 | Sunday |
2028 | June 13 | Tuesday |
2029 | June 13 | Wednesday |