While in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy, Mileena had the chance to dye her hair “mermaid” colors. Local adults and students at Williams Intermediate School can also get portions of their hair dyed in support of Mileena. All proceeds go to the #MileenaStrong fund. Photo submitted

It all started with a fever and a sore throat. Thursday before the first day of school, Rachelle Painter had taken her daughter Mileena to the doctor for her sixth grade immunization shots, but because Mileena was running a fever she was tested for Strep instead.  The test came back positive and after treatment Mileena began to feel a bit better.

After a few good days of feeling well and another trip to the doctor’s office for the regular immunizations, Mileena’s throat began to hurt again and she was very pale and weak her mother said.

“On the first day of school, Mileena told me she didn’t feel well,” Rachelle Painter said. “It was hard for her to walk without stopping to catch her breath.”

The first day of school, Mileena went home early and slept. The next day, Painter took her daughter back to the doctor for bloodwork. Mileena’s bloodwork came back with a white blood cell count of 272,000. The normal healthy range is 5,000-10,000 and the range for a regular leukemia patient is between 50,000-60,000.

After additional testing at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Mileena Painter, 11, was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) according to the National Cancer Institute. ALL is the most common type of cancer in children.

Currently, Mileena is undergoing chemotherapy, a “marathon” treatment that will last two years. She will be in the induction phase until September and has to keep healthy and away from germs, which may compromise her immune system.

“Our faith is what has got us this far,” Rachelle Painter said. “At times we are angry, but God has a plan and a purpose. We have seen Him move in Pell City and Riverside. We have received lots of love and prayers. It is amazing to see what God has already done.”

Rachelle Painter is the co-captain of the Pell City Cheer Association (PCCA). Mileena’s father, Kevin, is a firefighter in Riverside.  Their daughter Mileena has been cheering with PCCA since she was four years old. Even now from a wheelchair and wearing a medical mask, Mileena wants to support her teammates.

“I’ve never seen a stronger person,” Rachelle Painter said. “She’s positive and ready to do whatever she has to do to get to the endgame, and cheer with her squad again.”

There are many fundraisers to support Leukemia Awareness and to help the Painter family with medical expenses. The City of Riverside began a “#MileenaStrong fund” at area Metro Banks and also have decal stickers for sale at Riverside City Hall.

Local schools including Walter M. Kennedy Elementary School and Williams Intermediate School have sponsored students to wear orange in support of Mileena.

Williams Intermediate School also has a  “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser each year, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Pell City Cheer Association also sold orange t-shirts to raise money.

While in the hospital, Mileena took the opportunity to dye her hair in “mermaid” colors: blues, purples, and silver, before she starts losing her hair from the side effects of chemotherapy. Sherri Harmon of Pell City has offered to dye hair in multiple colors with all proceeds going to honor Mileena.

“When Mileena sees all her friends and peers coming together to show their love and support, we just know it will put a big smile on her face and help boost her spirits! “ Sherri Harmon said.

Currently, students at Williams Intermediate School (WIS) have been allowed by Pell City School Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber and WIS Principal Mrs. Costello to do “peek-a-boo” colors which would be a small portion of hair underneath that would not show.  The cost for “peek-a-boo” colors is $20 and all proceeds will be directed to the #MileenaStrong fund at Metro Bank. Contact Sherri Harmon at 205-577-2854 for more information.

“We couldn’t do what we’re doing without the support of family and friends and the community. We are very thankful for that,” Rachelle said. “The way it is bringing the community together, it is a positive thing. It really makes you hug your kids tighter and be thankful for their health and happiness.”

To find out more about Mileena’s journey, visit https://www.caringbridge.org. Donations are not accepted on the page. If you would like to make a donation, visit any Metro Bank location and donate to the Mileena Strong fund.