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| Tidying up for cancer survivors |
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| Wednesday, 23 July 2008 | |
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Jennifer Larson Community Editor Paula Caron is not a cancer survivor but she’s been able to help patients diagnosed with the disease through her Forest Lake-based business. Caron is the owner of North Lakes Cleaning Service, which is a charter member of Cleaning for a Reason. It is the only foundation in America cleaning homes for women with cancer. Over the last year, she said that North Lakes has provided 16 clients with benevolence cleanings. The service includes four three-hour cleanings free-of-charge to women who are undergoing cancer treatments. The typical cost for just one three-hour cleaning totals around $120. “We’ve never had to turn anyone away yet,” said Caron. She said a detailed task sheet is used for the purposes of prioritizing the most important household chores that need to be done. Some of the services North Lakes provides are dusting, vacuuming, floors, garbage removal, kitchens and bathrooms. She has received a lot of positive feedback about Cleaning for a Reason. Michelle VanderVeen is one of those clients. In November 2006, VanderVeen was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Having an active toddler left VanderVeen and her husband overwhelmed as they prepared for major surgery, seven months of chemotherapy and seven weeks of daily radiation. “Fatigue and nausea made it difficult for me to stay on top of simple household chores such as cleaning,” said VanderVeen, in her testimonial. “It’s impossible to clean if the very scent of cleaning solutions makes you ill and the very idea of vacuuming makes you need a nap.” VanderVeen noted that a clean environment is very important to someone like her whose immune system is weakened from chemo and needs to stay healthy. A clean house is also very important for VanderVeen as a mother of a growing 2-year-old. “I feel very blessed that a friend told me about Cleaning for a Reason,” she wrote. “Having my house cleaned is a huge responsibility lifted off my shoulders. It has allowed my family to sustain the same cleanliness it’s used to, giving us a sense of normalcy in a year where life is far from normal.” Having our house cleaned for free releases us from another financial burden as we are already dealing with numerous medical bills, VanderVeen added. The program has not only given her a clean house but it has allowed VanderVeen to spend energy on being a mom, and getting healthy. “It’s let me make the most of my time,” she said. “All of the staff have been extremely thoughtful, caring and a joy to deal with. I wish that every family living with cancer could experience the blessing of a clean house.” Caron hopes to draw awareness to the foundation as well as inspiring other cleaning services to take part. The monthly dues to be a member of Cleaning for a Reason is $49.95. “I know people are worried because it’s going to cost so much,” she said. There are benefits, Caron said. She has actually gotten clients who appreciate what North Lakes is doing for cancer patients. In addition, the personal gratification that comes from helping others is an immeasurable reward. “That’s way worth it,” Caron said, of the thank-you’s. “I feel blessed to be able to give back.” For more information about the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation, call 1-877-337-3348 or visit www.cleaningforareason.org. North Lakes Cleaning Services has also formed a team for the Relay for Life walk on Aug. 1 at Forest Lake High School. She said the business donated a six-hour cleaning for the silent auction as a way to generate funds for the American Cancer Society’s patient services, research, advocacy and community education. Caron said the team’s goal is to raise $2,500. Forest Lake Relay is one of the top events in Minnesota. Forest Lake has the top fund raising team in the state and the number two individual fund raiser in the nation. This year, Relay For Life of Forest Lake hopes to raise $210,000. North Lakes Cleaning Service, 568 N. Lake St., has been in business for 12 years. To contact them, call 651-426-7847 or visit www.northlakescleaning.com. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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