ST. GEORGE — Dealing with cancer can be a grueling battle, leaving many patients too weak to perform basic chores like housecleaning.
That’s where the volunteer program Cleaning for a Reason steps in to help. Volunteers from professional cleaning companies across the country – including St. George – are heeding the call and rolling up their sleeves to help families in need.
Helping local cancer patients
Kim Galvin of Better Home Cleaning in St. George wants her company to be more than just a cleaning service – she wants to lend a helping hand to cancer patients. Through Cleaning for a Reason, Galvin and her staff do free housecleaning for cancer patients, leaving them free to concentrate on their recovery.
“My cleaners really enjoy the volunteer experience they get,” Galvin said. “Being in these homes and helping people has been a really good experience for us and for the people that we serve.”
Better Home Cleaning has been a partner with Cleaning for a Reason for two years. Galvin was inspired to join the movement after meeting Debbie Sardone, founder of Cleaning for a Reason. Nationally, this group has provided free housecleaning services to more than 47,000 cancer patients across the U.S. and Canada since the program began in 2006. It is estimated these services are valued at more than $15.9 million.
Better Home Cleaning serves four patients per month. Each client receives two free housecleanings, which focus on the client’s personal cleaning priorities. Galvin said many patients are unaware of this service, so she’s trying to spread the word.
“If you work at a clinic or are involved with cancer patients, feel free to refer them to us,” Galvin said. “If you’re another housecleaning company that wants to get involved, you can register to be a partner at the Cleaning for a Reason website”
A clean community
While St. George cancer patient Terri Andrews awaits news of a clean bill of health, her home is being cleaned free of charge through Cleaning for a Reason. Andrews said having someone help with household chores has lifted a weight off a long list of concerns, allowing her to spend her energy getting better.
“I was so sick with the side effects of chemo,” Andrews said. “I couldn’t lift anything, especially after the surgery.”
Many of the medications Andrews has to take leave her feeling fatigued. Andrews said it is a relief to have someone come in and take care of the tasks she is unable to perform.
For Kylie Bohne, volunteering for Cleaning for a Reason through her job at Better Home Cleaning has been an uplifting experience.
“It feels good in my heart to be able to help other people,” Bohne said. “It’s worth it for everybody involved.”
Bohne typically spends about three hours per volunteer job. During that time, Bohne said she has the opportunity to befriend her clients. As someone who has witnessed her own family members dealing with cancer, Bohne said she can relate to those she serves.
“I know the trials going through it,” Bohne said. “Being able to provide any kind of service to ease that means a lot.”
Cancer patients who want to take advantage of this program can click here to register.
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