The Board of Directors for The Lydia Project, a leading regional provider of free support services for cancer patients, announced the nonprofit will change its name to Cancer Support Services effective April 29.

As part of that change, "The Lydia Project" becomes a sub-brand of Cancer Support Services, continuing the signature outreach initiative that provides cancer fighters worldwide with inspirational messages of faith, hope, and love in the form of volunteer-crafted tote bags and ongoing monthly outreach.

The launch of the Cancer Support Services (CSS) brand coincides with the organization’s 3rd annual "Route 44" fundraising partnership with SONIC®, in which all CSRA drive-ins will donate a percentage of 44-ounce drink proceeds during the month of May to CSS’ lodging, transportation and outreach programs for people seeking cancer treatment at Augusta/Aiken-area hospitals and clinics.

CSS Board Chair Hap Harris said the new name more accurately mirrors the population served and reflects the broad array of comfort and assistance – including overnight accommodations at the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House – that the organization provides to men, women and children fighting all types of cancer.

In 2021, CSS staff and its 700-plus volunteers provided services to more than 6,288 cancer fighters. It provided 2,357 lodging nights to guests needing to be near cancer treatment, and 2,520 transport trips to treatment providers.

“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,” Harris said. “We hope the Cancer Support Services brand serves as a more easily recognizable beacon for those seeking prayers and a helping hand during their personal battles with cancer – in all its forms.”