“They gave me the word “HOPE” because all along, that's what they gave me. I had almost lost hope, I had almost given up,” Vicki Williamson said.

“God had a plan for me when I found out I had cancer, but I didn't know what and Lydia is it,” Angela Old said.

Vicki and Angela are both cancer survivors. They're also volunteers for The Lydia Project, an Augusta based support group for women facing cancer.

The Lydia Project celebrates survivors, supporters and the little miracle tote bags distributed to patients.

“I can go into a doctor's office or a hospital and if I see that tote with someone else, I know they're part of Lydia. It opens doors; I can go up and speak with them and know they're part of us,” Angela said.

“They give it to us when we're going through cancer treatment. That's when we receive the tote and that's the most-hardest part in that time. It's not so much finding out you have it, it's the battle going through it. And if you have somebody to go through it with you, your spirit is lifted and you survive,” Vicki said.

Since 2003, more than 1,500 hand-made totes have been sent to women all over the world, inspiring faith, hope and love-the three words stitched across the top of each bag.

In addition to bag making, volunteers like Angela and Vicki reach out with calls, letters and prayers to patients every week.

“The tote's a symbolic symbol; a reminder they're not alone, there is somebody walking that step, praying with them and being there for them,” Vicki said.

Every bag is unique, but the contents are always the same-candy, tissues, lotion, a journal and a prayer request card.

To request a bag for someone, make a donation or volunteer
The Lydia Project
Or call 706.736.5467