This year, more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
In an effort to help make their lives a little easier, business franchise Two Maids & A Mop and nonprofit Cleaning For A Reason have been providing free cleaning services to women with cancer since 2006.
"It really helps during recovery and treatment," said Alyssa Meyer, office manager of Two Maids & A Mop in East Brainerd. "It takes away the stress of not being able to help your family when you just don't have the energy for it."
Women with any kind of cancer are eligible. Two Maids & A Mop donates four months of cleanings to each patient. During each cleaning, two cleaners are sent with supplies for a two-hour service, valued at $135.
Sharan Chase of Nashville is one of the hundreds of women across the country who have benefited from the free cleaning services.
"I was sick as a dog at the time due to a chemotherapy medication. I could not get off of my couch," said Chase. "The folks at Two Maids & A Mop have made me feel great, especially knowing that the heavy stuff that needs to be done will get done. When you have people who care, it makes all the difference in the world."
Two Maids & A Mop's compassion for cancer patients has a long, personal history. The family-owned company had one of its own experience the diagnosis of cancer and the impact it had on more than just her health. One of the founder's mother-in-law is a cancer survivor, and the direct impact of cancer on their family spurred them to make a difference in other cancer patients' lives through the partnership with Cleaning For A Reason.
The international nonprofit foundation partners with residential cleaning companies nationwide to help women battling cancer. To date, $6.9 million in cleaning services has been provided to 26,000 women battling cancer.
Two Maids & A Mop's Pay For Performance program uses the satisfaction of customers from each cleaning to determine the pay opportunities for employees, thus putting a high value on customer satisfaction.
To get involved or connect an eligible patient in the Chattanooga area to free cleaning services, contact Two Maids & A Mop Chattanooga at 894-0346.
Email Heather Newlin at hnewlin@timesfreepress.com.