Starting a new business is a struggle, but after three years as owners of Merry Maid franchises, Tye and John Watson felt they were in a position to do something to help the community.
"All of the sudden it's October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an idea came to me," Watson said. "I wanted to help someone going through breast cancer treatment.
"It's a disease that usually affects women and since women are the principal housekeepers, what better service to offer?"
Merry Maids of Carson Valley, Carson City/Dayton and South Lake Tahoe plan to sponsor free bi-weekly services for up to one year to a household in each of their three territories.
The Watson's Merry Maids in Minden and South Lake Tahoe are the participating franchises, but if the idea takes off, the 1,400 national Merry Maid franchises might decide it's a good idea.
Watson said the service will become an ongoing effort to do what they can in local communities to help cancer patients through a difficult time in their lives. The idea is to help someone in their recovery to a point where they feel good enough to do for themselves then pass on the service to someone else who needs it.
"It's not a one time thing," she said. "As the cancer patients can provide for themselves, they can say, 'I'm feeling better, Tye, pass it on to someone else who needs the service.' We'll do it as long as people want to take advantage of it."
Watson will accept letters from breast cancer patients, family members or friends from Carson Valley, Carson City/Dayton, and South Lake Tahoe.
"If they wanted us and couldn't afford us, that's the kind of person we're looking for - not necessarily people who would call us for service," she said.
"Some days are slower so as people respond and we pick one person, we'll keep the names and we'll schedule a one time cleaning to help them.
"It's not a win or lose situation for anyone - we're here to help."
Include the name and address of the nominated person, and how to contact them Tell something about the person and why the cleaning service should be provided. Send to:
Merry Maids
1555 Highway 395
Minden, NV 89423
