Minit Maids Continues 15-Year Legacy of Supporting Cancer Patients Under New Ownership
Pictured: Lindsay and Nick Velasquez
By Lucy Lee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL CLEANING COMPANY CONTINUES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Charlotte, NC – June 16, 2026 – When cancer enters a household, even the simplest routines can feel overwhelming. For the past 15 years, Minit Maids, Inc. has helped lift that burden by turning clean homes into spaces of comfort, calm, and care for those battling cancer.
Partnered since 2011 with the nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason, Minit Maids, Inc. has supported 169 cancer patients, donating professional house cleaning services valued at $49,321. Through this enduring partnership, their support offers practical relief and emotional reassurance at a time when both matter deeply.
| “At Minit Maids, we know a clean home is more than just tidy—it’s calming, welcoming, and a place to recharge,” shared Rick Douglas, original owner and Cleaning for a Reason partner. “For the past 15 years, it has been an honor to serve our community. We are proud to support Cleaning for a Reason by providing free home cleanings to cancer patients, helping bring comfort, peace of mind, and a true ‘welcome home’ feeling to families facing life’s toughest challenges. We remain committed to helping even more cancer patients in the years ahead.” |  Rick Douglas |
That compassion became deeply personal when former Cleaning for a Reason partner Karen Leaton was diagnosed in 2025 with Waldenström Lymphoma with Secondary AL Amyloidosis. During her cancer journey, Minit Maids stepped in to support Karen and her family with donated cleanings.
| Her husband, Richard Leaton, shared, “As Karen battled cancer last year, Minit Maids showed extraordinary kindness and compassion when my family needed it most. With very little notice, they placed us on a weekly cleaning schedule and continued caring for our home until my wife passed away in January 2026. During an incredibly difficult season, they brought order, calm, and beauty into our home — something that mattered deeply to us. They are far more than a cleaning service — they are people who truly care.” | 
Karen Leaton |
Not long after, Richard Leaton sold the business, but the legacy of service continues under new owners Nick and Lindsay Velasquez, who are committed to carrying forward the company’s longstanding partnership with Cleaning for a Reason.
“We are honored to continue supporting this incredible cause in the Charlotte area and to build upon the compassionate legacy established before us,” said Nick Velasquez. “Providing comfort and relief to cancer patients and their families is meaningful work, and we look forward to continuing that mission in our community for years to come.”
Karen Leaton’s story — and the continued commitment of Minit Maids — reflects the heart of Cleaning for a Reason’s mission: compassion that endures, communities supporting one another, and a legacy of service that continues to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Through its partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, Minit Maids, Inc. supports two cancer patients’ homes each month for two consecutive months at no cost, easing both the physical and emotional weight that often accompanies cancer treatment. This ongoing service supports patients and families in Charlotte and Matthews, allowing them to focus on healing rather than household demands.
About Minit Maids, Inc.
For years, Minit Maids, Inc. has built its reputation in the Charlotte area by combining professional expertise with genuine care for the people it serves. Each home is cleaned by experienced, well-trained teams using professional equipment and green cleaning products designed to protect both the home and the health of those who live there. Clients trust Minit Maids for consistent, dependable scheduling and personalized services. Supported by a knowledgeable office staff and a commitment to excellence, Minit Maids delivers more than a clean house—it delivers peace of mind. To learn more about this company, visit minitmaids.com.
About Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason partners with more than 1,400 residential cleaners throughout the United States and Canada to offer free house cleaning to any household battling cancer. Since 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $23 million in services, helping more than 65,000 cancer patients. In 2017, Cleaning for a Reason was adopted by ISSA Charities, the charitable arm of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. To apply for services, to join as a cleaning partner, or to support the work of Cleaning for a Reason, visit cleaningforareason.org.
