As Cleaning for a Reason marks 20 years of supporting cancer patients and their families, much of the program’s impact can be attributed to the people working behind the scenes—those who speak directly with patients during some of their most difficult moments. One of these individuals is Shelly DeForest, patient manager for Cleaning for a Reason, an ISSA Charity program.

DeForest joined the organization in 2008, inspired by its mission and the chance to give back. Since then, she has worked closely with cancer patients across the country, helping them apply for and receive free home cleaning services while they focus on treatment, recovery, and healing.

“I help cancer patients get applied and find services with cleanings in their community,” DeForest said. “I love the mission. I love giving back to the community, and it’s important to my family and me.”

The personal touch

Over the years, DeForest has spoken with thousands of patients and family members. While she may not know everyone personally, she said the overwhelming scale of need remains evident.

“What stands out to me is how big the need is,” DeForest said. “So many patients tell us there’s nowhere to turn for help, and they can’t find a good resource.”

For many patients, everyday household tasks become difficult during cancer treatment. Fatigue, weakened immune systems, recovery from surgery, or hospice care can make keeping a clean home feel unmanageable. That is where Cleaning for a Reason steps in, offering professional cleaning services at no cost.

A key part of reaching patients is the organization’s outreach network, which includes cancer centers, patient navigators, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. These individuals work directly with patients every day and help connect them with supportive resources.

“These medical professionals work every day with these cancer patients and they’re trying to help them find a resource,” DeForest said. “They’re navigating through what their needs are specifically, and the fact that they can use Cleaning for a Reason to help these patients—they love it.”

Helping those in need

The program is designed to accommodate patients at different stages of their diagnosis. Some are in active treatment, while others are recovering from surgery or receiving hospice care. In many cases, family members apply on behalf of the patient, acting as the main contact and coordinating services.

“Sometimes the patients are just too sick to even deal with all of that,” DeForest said. “So yes, it definitely happens on a regular basis.”

While the service itself may seem simple—a clean home—DeForest said the Impact extends well beyond housekeeping. She often hears from patients who are overwhelmed, emotional, and surprised that strangers are willing to help them without expecting anything in return.

“Patients often tell us that they can’t believe that strangers are willing to come in and clean for them for free,” DeForest said. “Knowing that someone cares gives them hope and reminds them that they matter.”

That emotional support, she said, can be just as meaningful as the physical cleaning. “Sometimes it’s just as important as the clean itself,” DeForest said.

One gift leads to another

In some cases, patients are so touched by the experience that they ask how they can give back. DeForest said patients and their families often inquire about donating to the program after receiving services.

“It’s extremely generous,” DeForest said. “They have big hearts.”

That generosity reflects the larger community that enables the program. Many cleaning companies volunteer their time and services because they have been personally impacted by cancer and understand what they would want in similar situations.

As the organization marks its 20-year milestone, DeForest said the numbers only tell part of the story. Cleaning for a Reason has helped more than 65,000 cancer patients, but the true impact extends into emotional support, dignity, and healing.

“The impact of this program and the fact that we’ve cleaned over 65,000 homes is huge,” DeForest said. “It goes beyond words.”

She also observed that the relationships built through the program often last long after the services end. Some patients decide to hire the same cleaning companies once they are able, having never used professional cleaning services before their diagnosis. “We love to see the connection,” DeForest said. “We love to see how it’s helping people throughout the community.”

Get involved!

DeForest highlighted that the process is straightforward for patients, families, healthcare workers, and cleaning companies interested in participating. Patients can submit their applications directly on the organization’s website, and healthcare workers are encouraged to share the resource with those who need it.

“We’ve tried to make it simple,” DeForest said. “It just takes a few minutes.”

After 20 years, Cleaning for a Reason continues to grow—but its heart remains unchanged. Through compassionate professionals like DeForest and the volunteers supporting the mission, the program continues to offer more than just clean homes. It provides reassurance, relief, and a reminder that even in the hardest moments, people care.

To learn more, apply, or support the program, visit cleaningforareason.org.