Nov 03, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jeff Hayward

UXBRIDGE -- Battling cancer is a job in itself, without having to worry about life's other chores.

But an Uxbridge business is taking some of the burden off women undergoing cancer treatment and aren't able to perform normal duties such as keeping their homes in order.

Merry Maids in Uxbridge has partnered with the Cleaning For A Reason foundation, offering four free home cleanings (one per month) to those in north Durham undergoing treatment for cancer.

Margaret MacLaren, owner of Merry Maids at 15 Brock St. W., said she has been doing her part to battle cancer in the past by supporting Relay for Life and Weekend to End Breast Cancer. But she heard about the foundation during a conference in St. Louis and decided to get involved at a business level. Cleaning For A Reason, a non-profit foundation, works with professional maid services willing to donate time and money toward the cause.

"I'm a big community supporter," said Ms. MacLaren, noting a client has already taken advantage of the free cleanings. "This person wanted to go on our regular (cleaning) service ... but I was able to tell her about the free service. It feels good to help."

While the service is available to residents of north Durham, there are two Merry Maids locations in south Durham, both of which Ms. MacLaren said are also paying into the foundation, meaning cancer patients in the south can also access the free cleanings, she explained.

Age and type of home do not matter, she said, but added there is an application process for the complimentary cleanings. To apply, or for more information, visit www.cleaningforareason.org or call 1-877-337-3348. Patients, or family members of a patient, are also welcome to visit Uxbridge's Merry Maids to inquire about the service. Online donations to the foundation can also be made at the aforementioned web site, noted Ms. MacLaren.