Volunteers 'Clean for a Reason'

A group of Bay area volunteers are working hard to make sure cancer patients feel comfortable in their own homes.

Several years ago, Joanne Braccio, manager of Maid to Order cleaning service, went through a difficult time. Her brother, Robert, died of cancer.

Braccio turned the experience into a positive one, joining a volunteer service called "Cleaning for a Reason."

Now she and her seven employees clean homes of cancer patients for free.

"It's just a joy to know that God has given me this gift," said Braccio. "And for so long I've always taken and it's so good to give back."

Maid to Order cleans for cancer patients in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, but Braccio said there are several other cleaning services in the surrounding counties that work with "Cleaning for a Reason."

Lynne Cross is a breast cancer patient the Maid to Order crew helps out. Between doctors appointments and rest, Cross said it's sometimes a struggle keeping her house clean.

"They take care of everything and it's just another stress I don't have to deal with through this and it's wonderful," said Cross.

She said it's amazing how wonderful the women treat her when they come to clean.

"It's like being a queen for a day," said Cross.

In the past two years, Braccio said they've cleaned for about 30 patients and the number continues to increase. She is even more thrilled at how the community has responded to the program. Braccio now has several other business owners that are volunteering a variety of skills.

"Air conditioning, pest control, carpet cleaning," said Braccio. "I've had a tax account come, even Mary Kay people have come and say they'll do facials."

Braccio said she is now trying to organize all the businesses and create her own non-profit organization so cancer patients will know where to go for help.

Meanwhile, Braccio is asking anyone with a skill they'd like to volunteer to contact her through Maid to Order. Her email address is: joanne@maidtoorderfl.com

You can also contact her if you are a cancer patient in need of help.

"It's a God given talent to be able to clean like I do," said Braccio. "And to be able to give and help other people, I'm just really blessed to be able to do it."