A national organization helping clean the homes of women with cancer is gaining traction in Northern Virginia.
Cleaning for a Reason gives women battling cancer a clean home, free of charge.
Woodbridge resident Veronica Hughes is two months into her battle with cancer and is used to a high-energy lifestyle -- she has an 8-year-old son and is a fifth grade teacher.
"[Hearing I have cancer] was one of those out of body experiences. There have been days where I've been in bed all day," Hughes said of her fatigue caused by chemotherapy.
It's because of that depletion of energy she is relying on the generosity of Hilda Vanessa Sandoval.
Sandoval's small business Vanessa Maids -- contracted by Cleaning for a Reason -- is providing Hughes free housekeeping for a few months.
"So when they're coming home from the hospital or even with their family, they want to smell the house is nice and clean," Sandoval said. "Giving a free cleaning is not easy, because we're talking about money."
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Sandoval said the financial hit is worth it when she sees her clients' faces.
"This helps us spend time together as a family and not have to worry about cleaning a messy bathroom or picking up toys," Hughes said.
"If they're happy, I'm happy. I'm making their life happy and feeling better," Sandoval said.
