A local family faced what seemed to be an insurmountable financial need until help arrived in an unexpected form.

“If you don’t take the help offered to you, you’re taking away that person’s blessings,” said Rachelle Painter, mother of 12 year old Mileena Painter who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.

That help came in the form of over 25 boats, each with individuals ready to fish for a good cause: to raise money for the Painter family to help cover medical bills.

“We just received a $700 ambulance bill,” Rachelle Painter said. “This will really help with that. I’ll be able to pay in full.”

Participants paid $100 entry fee for the Charity Bass Tournament that took place on Saturday, July 14 at Riverside Landing. Twenty-five boats began at Safe light around 5:15 a.m. Some fishermen came from Tuscaloosa to participate. 

The tournament had prizes for first, second, and third place as well as Big Fish. First place was $1000, second $500, and third $250. Big Fish prize was also $250. Robinson Law Firm and several other local businesses donated the money for prizes. The City of Riverside donated launch fees.

“We would like to thank the city and Mayor for everything they have donated to us,” said Kevin Painter, Mileena’s dad and a firefighter at Riverside Fire Department. “Thank you for giving back.”

Riverside Mayor Rusty Jessup was in attendance to help support the Painter family.

The weigh-in was a 2 p.m. The fishermen lined up with their catch in bags to be placed on the scale. Once weighed in, the bass were released back into Logan Martin Lake. 

Third place winners were Russell Sapp, Jr. and son Russell Sapp III with 12.5 pounds. Second place went to Van Golden and Eric Edwards with 13.59 pounds. First place went to the team of Brad Dill and Charles McCoy with a total of 14.46 pounds. They also won Big Fish which weighed in at 5.81 pounds.

Charles McCoy not only won the tournament, he also helped to organize the event. His daughter, Milea, a recent high school graduate, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was Mileena’s age.

“Charles has supported us through this and shown that we are going to make it,” Rachelle said. “He has given us so much encouragement all the time and is always sending Bible verses and praying for us. He has become part of the family.”

Instead of keeping the $1000 winning check and $250 additional for the Big Fish winnings, McCoy and his teammate Dill donated their winnings to the family.

“This has been a team effort and a lot of support, this wouldn’t be possible,” McCoy said. “This is not for fame but just to give back. God blessed me to bless someone else. And we have faith that miracles do happen.”

Mileena Painter was diagnosed with with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the beginning of sixth grade in 2017 at age 11. She is now 12 years old and continues to receive treatment. 

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.

“We have received so much support from the community. Friends have become like family. We are just humbled by it,” Rachelle said. “It’s not just monetary support, but prayers mean more than anything else.”