Living with cancer can be just as difficult as undergoing the painful, exhausting treatments. Approximately 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer in her lifetime. For families dealing with the effects of cancer on a loved one, priorities shift rapidly into survival mode. Cleaning can easily take a back seat to more immediate needs, but for someone who may be housebound, a dirty house can really decrease morale and create an unhealthy environment.
Compassion and Cleanliness
Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit organization, was created to organize cleaning services for cancer patients throughout the US and Canada. Partnering with residential maid services like Dirt Busters, Cleaning for a Reason is able to match cancer patients and cleaning service providers by geographic location and availability. Patients fill out an online application and are contacted by Cleaning for a Reason to schedule services with a local participating partner.
That’s where Dirt Busters comes in. As a business owner, I am extremely proud of how “on board” each and every team member is with our participation in this program. There was absolutely no hesitation when I brought this up—this is something we wanted to do and continue to remain passionate about doing.
Cancer patients are often so exhausted from their battles that bending or pushing a vacuum is too taxing, and the smell of cleaning products can increase nausea. Patients tell us repeatedly that friends and family frequently help with food or child care, but don’t think to offer to help clean.
Aside from the actual physical act of cleaning, the service providers themselves are often a welcome distraction from the stress of illness, especially for patients without a wide support network.
Dirt Busters and Cleaning for a Reason
We’ve developed lasting relationships with our Cleaning for a Reason clients, and feel that they are part of our family. We really feel like we get back as much as we give. It’s a small effort on our part, but is incredibly rewarding.
If you know (or are) a cancer patient who needs help with cleaning, please contact Cleaning for a Reason by filling out the application. We would love to work with you.