Ellie Mason believes one’s surroundings can profoundly impact physical, mental, and emotional health, especially when an individual is unable to perform tasks. The owner of Eco Clean Ellie’s Cleaning & Organization Services partners with Cleaning for a Reason to provide cleaning services for cancer patients. The goal is to help people establish a sense of control and alleviate stress so they can focus on treatment and recovery.
“I’m a cancer survivor, and I’ve had several family members who’ve had cancer, so I know how overwhelming the experience can be,” Mason says. “We come in and help you where and when you need it the most. There’s no judgment on our part. Our goal is your comfort, safety and security.”
Mason’s company offers six hours of free cleaning, which clients can divide into a minimum of two-hour increments. Her technicians wear N95 masks, provide sanitized tools to prevent cross-contamination and use sustainable products that protect the health of customers and the planet.
Cleaning for a Reason partners have provided services valued at more than $15.9 million for 47,165 cancer patients in the United States and Canada since the organization’s founding in 2006, according to the nonprofit’s website. Their partner cleaning providers bring mood-boosting benefits to patients and peace of mind to family members concerned about their loved one’s welfare, especially if they don’t live nearby. The organization relies on cancer centers, oncologists, nurse navigators and social workers to spread the word so that any individual receiving treatment can participate in the program.
Mason expresses her passion for the mindful maintenance of personal spaces in her blog posts. She delves into the psychological advantages of life-stage decluttering and the benefits of having children assist with housekeeping tasks. She also shares professional cleaning techniques and offers tips for banishing odors, battling allergens, and fun things to do with free time when cleaning is outsourced.
With a mother and aunt working as cleaners, Mason was already familiar with many of the tools and techniques necessary to form an efficient operation and the personal satisfaction and sense of pride resulting from a tidy home or workplace. The former machinist started her business in 2020.
“When everything started to open up after the pandemic, I made a Facebook post to earn some money until I decided what to do in my career,” she says. “I bought $62 in cleaning supplies, rounded up a group of friends, inserted integrity and hard work, and here we are three years later.”
Mason has leveraged her experience to employ nine technicians serving Lawrence and several surrounding communities.
“Running a business is hard work 24/7, but I love helping people and giving back to my community,” she says.
Recipients interested in cleaning services from Cleaning for a Reason must register through CleaningForaReason.org. Information on Eco Clean Ellie’s Cleaning & Organizing Services is found at EcoCleanEllies.com.
