A CSRA nonprofit that supports cancer patients has a new name, but its mission hasn’t changed. As of April 29, The Lydia Project is now Cancer Support Services, thanks to Powerserve, a local advertising agency that helped with the rebranding effort free of charge.
The Lydia Project was founded in 2004 to provide female cancer patients with hope and encouragement by distributing free tote bags created by volunteers, which contain a journal and other items. Patients also have the option to receive supportive cards, emails, or phone calls monthly for one year. While the name has changed, patients can still request these totes.
The name has been changed to reflect the organization’s mission to help not only women but also men and children diagnosed with all forms of cancer. Cancer Support Services offers a variety of services, including lodging, transportation, and prescription assistance.
For example, CSS runs the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House located at 1369 Interstate Parkway in Augusta. The house, which has 20 beds, was named in memory of Dr. Daksha Chudgar, a local reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist.
The Lydia Project was named after the biblical character Lydia of Thyatira.
“The CSS board and our key stakeholders agreed the organization needed a name that better communicates its mission to local cancer fighters and the growing number of out-of-state patients coming to Augusta for world-class care,” said CSS Board Chair, Hap Harris. “We hope the Cancer Support Services brand serves as a more easily recognizable beacon for those seeking prayers and a helping hand during their battles with cancer – in all its forms.”
The organization’s logo has also changed and no longer includes a purse. Last year, the nonprofit served more than 6,200 cancer patients.
“The CSS brand will better position the organization for growth; help differentiate it from similarly named – but unaffiliated – organizations; and clarify the nonprofit to the general public, which may have assumed it only served women or focused on a specific type of cancer,” Board Member Trey Allen said.
Throughout May, all CSRA Sonic locations are donating a portion of the sales of all their Route 44 drinks to Cancer Support Services.
For more information, visit cancersupportservices.org.
