Pool players got together in Spartanburg, SC, December 13 to help 9-year-old Michaela Pittman, recently been diagnosed with junior dermatomyostitis, a rare form of lupus that only affects 5,000 children nationwide.

April Bradley of the Upperstate APA organized a benefit pool tournament and “Challenge the Pros” event, which was held at Sidelines Sports Club.  The benefit featured an 8-ball tournament, break-and-run contest, raffles, and a live auction with lots of items donated by suppliers as well as many items that were donated by fellow APA players. Participants were also able to meet and play pool with top-ranked WPBA players Allison Fisher, Monica Webb, and Helena Thornfeldt. 

Michaela got the opportunity to not only meet some of her favorite women pro players but to challenge Allison Fisher to a game of 9-ball, which she won with a sporty combo shot that Allison helped her with.  Michaela learned to play pool after her mom, Lisa, joined an APA team.

The benefit raised $5,200 for Michaela and Lisa.  An additional $250 was donated earlier from a fund called “Odell’s Roll of Helping Hands,” which was established by local players and the Upperstate APA office in memory of Odell Cabiness.

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