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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENTS

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Reflection and Support

October brings with it crisp air, beautiful fall colors, and a sense of unity as communities come together for a cause close to many hearts—Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Clean and Simple Cleaning, we want to take a moment to honor those affected by breast cancer, celebrate the incredible strength of survivors, and emphasize the importance of self-care and wellness for all.

A Time to Reflect and Raise Awareness

Breast cancer touches so many lives, directly and indirectly. As a woman-owned business, this cause resonates deeply with us. We’re reminded of the power of women supporting women and the strength that comes from community. Raising awareness is more than just wearing pink; it’s about educating ourselves and others on prevention, early detection, and supporting those currently facing this battle.

Wellness: Body and Mind

While breast cancer is a physical fight, it also takes a mental and emotional toll. That’s why wellness is key—not just during this month but year-round. At Clean and Simple Cleaning, we believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy home environment to support overall well-being. A clean, organized space can bring a sense of calm and clarity, offering a place of peace during difficult times.

Showing Support in Simple Ways

Throughout October, there are so many ways we can support those impacted by breast cancer. Whether it’s participating in local fundraising events, sharing helpful resources on social media, or simply checking in with a friend or loved one going through treatment, every gesture matters.

The Connection Between Clean Spaces and Wellness

When we think of health, our minds often go straight to diet, exercise, or mental health practices. But did you know that your surroundings can also influence your health? A clean environment can do wonders for both physical and mental well-being. It helps reduce stress, improve mood, and create a safe space, particularly for those with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions.

For individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, maintaining a clean home is essential. Recovering from treatments often leaves the body vulnerable, and a clean, safe space can be a crucial aspect of the healing process. It reduces the risk of infections and allergens, giving individuals peace of mind that their home is a healthy place to rest.

Tips to Create a Clean, Peaceful Space for Healing

  • Use Green Cleaning Products: Many traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harsh on the respiratory system, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Switching to natural, non-toxic cleaners helps protect the air quality in your home while still keeping it spotless
  • Ventilate Your Space: Fresh air circulation is key to maintaining a healthy environment. Open windows whenever possible to allow fresh air to flow through your home and reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants.
  • Keep Bedding Clean: Bedding can accumulate dust, allergens, and germs. Make it a point to wash bed linens weekly, and if possible, invest in hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers.
  • Incorporate Houseplants: Certain houseplants can help purify the air by absorbing pollutants. Plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants not only enhance the aesthetic of your home but also improve air quality.

Together, We Are Stronger

As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminded that no one faces this journey alone. It’s a time for community, support, and hope. Let’s stand together, lifting up those who need it and committing to the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

From all of us at Clean and Simple Cleaning, we send our love, support, and strength to those battling breast cancer and to the families who stand by their side. This October, let’s honor the courage, resilience, and determination of the amazing people who inspire us all.

For resources and ways to offer support, visit, https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FAMILY NEWS

Breast Cancer Survivor

Janet Swett, Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s office manager, is a breast cancer survivor.  As much as she does not like people describing her as ‘the one who had cancer,’ she is a strong advocator and believer in helping others beat this ugly disease.

Janet’s story is an inspiration. It is another reason why we at Clean and Simple Cleaning™ are so passionate about offering support to cancer patients. We also advocate the fight against this nasty disease.

Janet found out about her diagnosis at age 52. One year after she lost her Dad to lung cancer.  She freaked out after the diagnosis. However, quickly got serious and ready to fight.  Watching her Dad battle silently with cancer taught her to face the disease head on courageously, openly.  She did not want the cancer to claim her life or define it.  Being open about her diagnosis made it easier to handle. Moreover, it allowed others to lend her the support she needed.

Janet has a very active and fun-loving spirit which she determines to keep through her struggle.  No matter what she was feeling or when she lost her hair, she believed she was beautiful.  She got out of bed, put makeup on and kept living.  The support of her family, her friends, the team of doctors and her company at the time was amazing which made staying active a lot easier.

She contributes that support and positivity along with preventative health to her beating the disease.  Back in high school she had a benign lump and had been told to do self-breast exams every month.  She took the advice to heart and had done monthly self-breast exams ever since.  It in and of itself saved Janet’s life.

“Life is filled with too many blessings and fun times to mess around with your health,” warned Janet.

Her treatment followed the proper process with surgery followed by chemo and radiation.  As a result, she was said to be in remission in July 2006 and has been officially cancer free for seven years.  She feels relief, but the fear never completely goes away.

As a Cancer Survivor has expanded her compassion for others. Battling the disease, she has an intimate understanding of what the fight entails and how it makes you feel.  “I look at the people whom I know who are or who have battled and ask ‘How are you doing?’ and let them tell me what they are comfortable with.  They understand what I am asking and feel respected.”

Janet is always the first one to jump on board with all of the ways Clean and Simple Cleaning™ supports cancer patients.  “It is such a gift to help get our clients who are battling cancer scheduled for their cleanings.  They are always so thankful to have their homes professionally cleaned for themselves and their families.”

Janet Swett is a Breast Cancer Survivor, but more importantly, she is a loving Mother, dedicated Wife, gracious Friend, hard working Co-Worker and a Beautiful woman.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NEWS

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ Supporting Breast Cancer

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ is proud to be making a difference in our community and supporting the fight against breast cancer.

We believe taking care of those who are battling cancer is an important part of the fight right along side with raising money to find a cure.  As a local small business, we are so thankful for our customers, so it has always been important for us to give back to our community.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ is in full swing with accepting nominations for our Deanie Douglas Housecleaning Award which gives the gift of 1 full year of housecleaning to a particular recipient who is battling cancer.  It is our 3rd year for this award, and it has truly been a blessing to hear such touching stories and be able to help particular families while they are facing the hardships of cancer.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ also gives benevolence cleanings through Cleaning for a Reason.  We are a charter supporter of this amazing organization who helps pair up people battling cancer with cleaning companies in their area which provide free house cleanings.  Cleaning for a Reason has grown from its conception in 2006 to now servicing all of the United States and parts of Canada.

 Clean and Simple Cleaning™ services 3-4 Cleaning for a Reason clients per month.  Being able to help someone when they face battling cancer is a gift that we are pleased, honored and blessed to give.

This year was our first year to be a gold level sponsor at the Inspiring Hope run in Mukilteo over Mother’s Day weekend.  One hundred percent of the profits of the Inspiring Hope Run benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure by supporting 3 Day for the Cure team Kindred Spirits.

Kindred Spirits, made up of a local group of dedicated men and women, are the ones who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer.  Our pink car, of course, made a big impact. We had a blast cheering all of the runners on and handing out water.

We are a professional house cleaning company that not only will take care of your home with our detailed and guaranteed services but will do it with heart.  Together we will care for those who are battling and fight against this ugly disease until there is a cure.  Supporting breast cancer patients is the right thing to do.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FAMILY NEWS

Supporting the Fight Against Breast Cancer

This past weekend was the Seattle 3 Day Susan G Komen Walk to raise money for breast cancer.  Clean and Simple Cleaning™ loves the sea of pink (not only because we could easily camouflage in with them) because of the hardcore dedication it represents to fight against this horrible disease.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ has been supporting breast cancer since the company was started in through programs, donations and sponsorships.  We will be highlighting the different organizations we have and continue to work with throughout October.  I personally was reminded why it is so crucial to keep supporting breast cancer by a friend who just walked 60 miles when asked to complete the following task…

Write down 8 names of women who are important to you.  Coming up with 8 women who are important is pretty easy. So, go ahead and write a second list of 8 names of women who have been blessings in your life.

You should now be looking at 16 names of beautiful women who have enriched your life and helped form who you are today.

Circle 2 names on your paper of women whom you are ready to watch battle breast cancer.

My pen didn’t move.  A tear fell from my eye.  I didn’t want to imagine.  I was terrified.

Terrified because the truth is…

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in our lifetime.

We believe in the importance of taking care of those who are battling and supporting prevention so others don’t have to face the battle.  Clean and Simple Cleaning™ is proud to help fight against cancer.

Check back with Clean and Simple Cleaning™ throughout the month of October. Find out more about how we support breast cancer including information about our 3rd annual Deanie Douglas Housecleaning Award.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NEWS

Breast Cancer Patients Get Free House Cleaning

Take a look at the clock, and think about how quickly two minutes comes and goes. 

In that two minutes, another diagnosis of a man or woman having breast cancer, and their lives change forever. October is approaching fast. Moreover, although everyone is feeling excited for falling leaves and spooky decorations, there is another thing to remember. October is breast cancer awareness month! This moment is our time to remember and support all the individuals who are suffering from the debilitating disease of breast cancer.

Although it was challenging to see the positive when a family member, friend, or loved one goes through such a hard battle, a national organization is working hard to put smiles on the faces of women who have breast cancer. This organization is Cleaning For a Reason. They spend their days organizing with cleaning companies all around the United States to give free cleaning services to women that do not have the time or energy to clean their homes while battling this disease.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™ was honored to be one of the featured in Cleaning For a Reason’s monthly newsletter for their September issue for our employee recognition program. We have been a proud affiliate and company partner of Cleaning For a Reason since they began.

Their program provides free house cleaning services to afflicted breast cancer patients.

Now, there are over 1000 cleaning companies who partner with them to give free house cleaning for breast cancer patients. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, we would like to highlight their incredible efforts. Additionally, also remind everyone to take a moment or two this month to support women and men who are fighting this awful battle.

If you would like more information on Cleaning For a Reason, please visit their website at www.cleaningforareason.org.  Always remember to pay attention to your body, in between mammograms check for anything unusual at home.  Here’s a great article from breastcancer.org titled  “The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam.”