SWFL.io - Local NewsHaley Jacobs
•6/27/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — What started as a free paint job turned into an entire neighborhood of generosity for one Naples family battling cancer.
Every year, That 1 Painter's local franchise participates in the company's nationwide "Paint It Forward" initiative, donating a home transformation to a family in need. This year, the company partnered with Cancer Alliance Network to help a Naples homeowner undergoing cancer treatment.
The homeowner, who asked WINK News not to show his face because he is private about his medical journey, has spent nearly the past year battling three different types of cancer while continuing to work to support his family.
For Wayne Rodriguez, regional director of That 1 Painter Naples, the project was never going to stop with a few gallons of paint.
"We try to help somebody less fortunate. And this year was another cancer patient, and here we are," Rodriguez said.
When Rodriguez arrived at the home, he realized there were more pressing needs than faded paint.
The family's air conditioning had recently failed during Southwest Florida's summer heat. Rodriguez launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised about $2,400 to help purchase a replacement A/C unit.
The final donation needed to purchase the unit came from Kim Jones with Keller Williams Naples, while Danny Ramos of Presidential Air Conditioning donated the labor to install the new system.
As word spread about the family's situation, more local businesses and community members stepped up to help.
Ron with Gen X Electrical repaired electrical issues around the home.
Ralph Page of Genesis Landscape Concepts cleaned up the landscaping.
John Jarrett of Jarrett Gardens Irrigation & Landscaping repaired irrigation and landscaping needs.
Additional financial support also came from:
Volunteers also spent days pressure washing, painting, hauling away debris and cleaning up the property.
Rodriguez says that's what the project has become over the years.
"It usually starts off as just a painting project, but once I start telling people about it, the community starts coming together," Rodriguez said. "I couldn't just do a paint job."
He says seeing people volunteer their time without expecting anything in return is what inspires him most.
"It's everybody coming together out of the goodness of their hearts. There's good people out there," Rodriguez said.
The homeowner says cancer treatments have left him with little energy to keep up with his house. Simple chores like yard work, home repairs and routine maintenance became increasingly difficult while balancing appointments and work.
"I used to do everything... grass or whatever, fixing, I do everything in my home," he said.
Now, instead of worrying about repairing an air conditioner or cleaning up his property, he says he can focus on what matters most—his health and his family.
"They clean everything... they take all the debris... everything I have outside is nice and clean," he said, calling the outpouring of support "a big, big blessing."
Although he admits accepting help was difficult, he hopes sharing his story encourages others facing similar challenges to reach out for support.
He also credits Cancer Alliance Network with connecting him to resources he never expected.
"I never thought something like this could happen to me," he said. "I don't know how to tell them how grateful I am."
Cancer Alliance Network serves families in Lee and Collier counties by helping cancer patients with expenses such as rent, mortgages, utilities, groceries, gas and transportation while they undergo treatment.
For Rodriguez, the project is proof that one act of kindness can inspire many more.
"It wasn't just me," he said. "I just got the ball rolling."