ABOUT

Hi I'm Rachel, mum to two teenagers and carer for my 'live in' mother. I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and then a short time after Follicular Lymphoma, a type of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (non-curable).  Whilst recovering from surgery I found it hard keeping my house clean and tidy for me and my family which took the focus off my healing. I found myself in a constant battle of sleeping then overexerting myself which led to a longer recovery from surgery and added stress. I did have some wonderful friends who were able to help a few times and my teenagers stepped up and helped out around the house and garden.  However, there were still simple things that I could have used help with. Some days I would sleep in a sweat soaked bed because I didn't have the energy to do anything about it which made me feel not only miserable but also took my focus away from my healing.

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I started researching services available in my area  for help around the house but found nothing I could afford. Going from Full Time work to not being able to work in a few days meant that I couldn't afford a cleaner or carer, which is a harsh reality for most Cancer Patients and their Whanua around New Zealand.  

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I come from a background of Fire and Smoke Restoration and Carpet and Upholstery cleaning (IICRC trained and qualified), Hospitality Management and Health and Support work.  I pulled all my experiences together whilst looking at other services available in other Countries and 'Healing Homes' a not for profit organisation was born. The basic necessity of a Clean Healthy Home really should be accessible to ALL Cancer patients and their family.  Having one less thing to worry about means everyone can focus on Recovery, Treatment and Healing.​

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My hope is that by helping with some tasks around your home, you and your family can focus on the more important things.​​

Rachel XOXO