Nicole Smith

Cleaning Project Helps Cancer Patients

BY NICOLE SMITH

Battling cancer is an exhausting ordeal, which is why several businesses in Kennesaw and Acworth banded together last month to offer a little relief to some local cancer patients.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, members of the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) participated in Cleaning for a Reason, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that offers free home cleaning to cancer patients in the United States and Canada. The goal is to eliminate the burden of cleaning, so patients can focus on their health. KBA members cleaned the homes of 21 local cancer patients, who were identified by the nonprofit and matched with volunteers based on their ZIP code.

Businesses that participated in this project, organized by PCT Clean, were: • 1885 Grill Acworth • Relocal Move Real Estate Benefits • Copeland’s • Risk & Insurance Consultants of

North Georgia • Loud Security • Great Gig Dance Co. • Kennesaw Driving School • Piedmont Injury Law • Realty One Edge • Springer & Co. CPAs PC

KBA President Dana Dorris cleans the blinds in a Cleaning for a Reason recipient’s home.

Veda Stapleton, a volunteer from 1885 Grill, said, “It felt amazing to be able to go home, knowing I made someone’s day just a little bit easier. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to be able to help make a difference, and sitting down, talking with them and hearing their stories was my favorite part.”

The recipient of Veda’s generosity said, “Breast cancer can cause a woman to lose control of the world she’s worked so hard to create and nurture. Having someone to clean her home in a kind and thoughtful way can help alleviate that piece of stress from her suddenly chaotic and painful world. Cancer is a battle. Having backup warriors is priceless.”

Dave Griffith and Jackie Gallo of Relocal Move Real Estate Benefits had the pleasure of cleaning Brenda’s home. “Jackie and I were excited to be able to come alongside PCT to make a tangible difference in the lives of women who are fighting cancer,” Dave said. “I was humbled by Brenda’s joy in the midst of her battle and honored to be able to serve her as the ‘cleaning’ hands of Jesus.”

Dana Dorris and Laurie Tambasco with Risk & Insurance Consultants were thankful for the chance to take part. “It was heartwarming to participate,” Dana said. “When we left the recipient’s home, Laurie turned to me and said, ‘I feel really good inside.’ I really think that says it all.”

Kay, one of the cleaning recipients, was moved by this service. “It was an absolute luxury to have my house sparkling clean when I came home from a surgery,” she said. “I was as pleased for my fellow warriors as I was for myself. Again, it was an absolute luxury!”

PCT Sales and Marketing Director Angela Bockman, who supervised the project, has seen the impact of Cleaning for a Reason firsthand.

“Given the opportunity to manage this initiative in support of Cleaning for a Reason in October has been not only amazing, but is close to my heart, as I am a breast cancer survivor myself,” she said. “Listening to their journeys and seeing the relief and gratitude as we clean the homes of these strong people who are fighting to keep going is something everyone should get to experience.”

Nicole Smith is a public health professional living in Kennesaw with her epic houseplant collection and two senior dogs, Jax and Lily Grace.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Through Networking

Maureen Malvar, right, of Varenita of West Cobb and Aroundabout Local Media President Kim Dahnke attend the SUPER Women’s Conference in August.

Aroundabout Local Media’s mission statement is to “help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”

Using this as a plumb line for all that we do on the advertising and editorial sides of our company, we wanted to let you know what it looks like when the entrepreneurs in our community gather to exchange ideas and information and develop relationships by supporting and encouraging one another while opening doors to new opportunities.

The Kennesaw Business Association (KBA) meets the second Tuesday of each month for a luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Recreation Center at Adams Park, 2737 Watts Drive. Dana Dorris of Risk & Insurance Consultants of North Georgia is president.

“We are invested in making sure that our members have numerous opportunities throughout the year to not only showcase their businesses, but we also love the networking opportunities where our members get to meet one another and learn how to grow together in our awesome Kennesaw community,” Dorris said. “This goes back to my 2022 president’s theme of the year, which is creating a bigger purpose, better business and a brighter future.”

Other business associations in the Kennesaw area are invited to send photos from their monthly meetings to edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Please include the names of everyone in each photo, along with the date, time and location of your meetings, as well as the president’s name and employer.

From left, Dr. Angie King, Vera Williams and Rich Biro of BluTree Advantage are seen at the KBA’s Alive After 5 in August.