She died of cancer, but we were with her until the end…

I met Wadia on March 23rd, 2009, shortly after I visited my brother in Hong Kong who has cancer. She had been going for treatment and receiving home care from her mother and her sister. I was invited to her home because she was looking for a cleaning service on a weekly basis to help out with the house work so her mother and sister could focus more on caring for her.

She was a very upbeat person, except she looked a little tired. You would not know Wadia had been battling cancer for 2 years. As usual, I sat down with her on the sofa, listening to her story about why they needed the service and how she wanted certain items to be done. As it turned out, Wadia found a lump 2 years ago and was diagnosed with breast cancer - it was already at the end stage. Being the youngest in her family, the news devastated everyone around her. For the longest time, the family could not accept the news but Wadia had a high spirit. She looked at it as, "living with cancer," not dying with cancer. What a beautiful way of looking at life!

I shared with her why Clean4Me supports Cleaning For A Reason to donate free cleanings or discounted cleaning services to women cancer patients. My own father died of cancer at the age of 69 and now my brother, at age 42, is also suffering with cancer. Not only did I provide insights about how to maintain a clean house but I also shared some nutrition information with her. We talked for 2 hours and shared notes. I still remember she described my visit as being a, “visit by an angel,” for what we do for cancer patients.

We started cleaning her house on a weekly basis. Once in a while, I would call her to see how she was doing and to provide encouragement to her. In September, the family called to cancel the service because they were moving to a condo. I called shortly after and learned that Wadia had passed away.

It is sad to see her go but I am glad that we were with her to the end of her journey. By taking over her household cleaning tasks, it allowed her family have more quality time with her and to provide better care for her.

We were with her until the end but she will be with us always. I still remember her face and her smile...


Information on Cleaning 4 A Reason, please visit: http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

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Clean4 Me Inc is currently providing maid service, office cleaning, carpet cleaning, windows cleaning and duct cleaning services in Markham, Vaughan, North York, Richmond Hill, Stouffville, Pickering, Uxbridge, Toronto and Thornhill