When facing a serious illness, even simple tasks can become overwhelming. However, one nonprofit organization is stepping in to help alleviate some of that burden for individuals with cancer.
Cleaning for a Reason, founded in 2006, has facilitated free home cleaning services for more than 57,133 cancer patients in the U.S. and Canada, providing services valued at a total of more than $19 million.
The non-profit organization partners with residential cleaning companies and community volunteers to “clean the homes of cancer patients to provide hope, relief, control, and cleanliness,” the group’s website states.
The volunteers’ work not only enhances the patients’ physical environment but uplifts their spirits as well.
Amy George of Plano, a self-described “neat freak,” explained to CBS News how important a clean home is to her.
“When you have a clean house, you can think clearly. When you have a clean house, you can have people come over without feeling embarrassed. When you have a clean house, you’re just happy,” she said.
But when she was diagnosed with cancer last year and began chemotherapy, “I became very weak, very quickly,” George said, and that led her to feel “frustrated, incapable, and overwhelmed.”
“Things started to pile up, even though it’s just my husband and me. I could see spider webs. I could see something underneath that I could not clean,” she added.
Her husband said he was not able to help with the cleaning because he had recently suffered a stroke.
George first heard about Cleaning for a Reason from a nurse who gave her a flyer about the organization. She contacted the nonprofit, and a local cleaning company, Prestige Maintenance, soon arrived at her door to give George’s home a top-to-bottom cleaning.
The North Texas-based cleaning company, run by Rachel Sanchez and her brother Jason Dinverno, includes giving back to the community as part of its commitment to social responsibility.
“Through charitable contributions, volunteer work, and more, we uplift the communities around us and give them opportunities to grow. We believe it’s our responsibility to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of those we work with,” the Prestige Maintenance website states.
Seeing her home shine once again brought a huge smile to George’s face.
“It’s gorgeous!” she said, per CBS News. “I’m going to enjoy it for the next two or three weeks.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to Cleaning for a Reason can visit their website here.