Cancer Alliance Network (CAN) is a nonprofit that provides dignity and aids local cancer patients and their families by paying bills while they are undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. This includes bills such as rent, mortgage payments, car payments, utilities, food, and gas. CAN has been serving families in Collier and Lee County since 2002 and annually serves over 300 families, while offering additional support programs such as free nutrition programs and college scholarships for graduating seniors who are also cancer survivors.
When Michelle Ciuffetelli of CAN met Wayne Rodriguez at a networking event, Wayne was gathering a list of nonprofits as candidates for the Paint It Forward program at That 1 Painter. Once a quarter they partner with Sherman Williams to provide for a family or individual in need; this would entail a client receiving an entire interior or exterior painting of their home at no cost. Months after their first interaction, Wayne chose CAN as the nonprofit recipient for the program. Once Wayne relayed the news to Michelle that CAN had been chosen to receive this generous gift, she got right to work identifying a client of theirs who could benefit from this. Estella is a current cancer patient with CAN who is diagnosed with colon and kidney cancer. She is 54 years old and currently lives in Collier County. Wayne worked diligently to complete her house and have it painted while she was in the hospital undergoing surgeries. Upon returning from the hospital she was surprised with a beautiful freshly painted home. Not only was the painting done, but what she came back to was truly unexpected.
Members of the community had heard about Estella’s story and how That 1 Painter was paying it forward to help out. As the story began to spread, a heartwarming snowball effect happened. Local businesses and community members jumped in to help Estella during her time of need. Additional items were donated such as a new washer/dryer, brand new bedding linens, food, and so much more. Items and donations were received from Keller Williams Luxury, Jason’s Deli, Frantz Marketing Solutions, Naples Luxury Imports, Kendra Scott, Jesi Crane at Northwestern Mutual, Michael Rubenstein, Superior Cleaning Services of SWFL, Lark Curated, L-Space, PuroClean, Annette Masse at Aflac, Rob Frink, Michael McCarthy, Healix, For the Love of Cats, Luxure Lifestyle, Naples City Lifestyle, and O’s Hauling & Maintenance. Estella’s touching story highlights the amazing collaboration and care within the Naples community and those who helped kick this project off. Estella and Wayne still keep in touch today, and he has helped with other various work including her fence!