Roller Derby Rallies around Teammates Who Lost All in Fire

By Cole Goodwin

Gorge Roller Derby is more than just a roller derby league.

It’s a family.

So when their very own Kung Fu Lu (known off the track as Jen Hart) and Pitbull (Sarah Breeze) lost their homes in the Mosier Creek Fire- Gorge Roller Derby or GRD didn’t waste time springing into action to support their team mates. 

Coach Irma GRD (Jocelyn Paris) told CCC News, “I called Lu as soon as we saw smoke over the hills and heard there was a fire in the State Road area. I was most concerned that they needed help evacuating or loading up animals. Lu told me they were all alive but the flames were licking the house as they narrowly escaped down the driveway. She told me it was all gone, everything. She said ‘we barely got out; we are lucky.’”

I asked Coach Irma GRD what ran through her head when she first heard about the fire. “I was extremely worried as I knew their property was full of family homes and not protected from fire. When I called her, I could hear the shock and fear in her voice. I mostly wanted to make sure they were alive and had a place to stay. Lu is family to all of us, and the thought of losing her was beyond gut wrenching... “

Gorge Roller Derby’s Kung Fu Lu (Jen Hart) is on the far right wearing a black hat.

Kung Fu Lu in action, blocking No. 52

“Kung Fu is such an amazing person... Kung Fu Lu was our intake and insurance leader. She also was an assistant coach to the Travel Team and was preparing to take over the coaching role of the Blood n Gorge team as well as help run Fresh Produce practices. Lu recently stepped back from the league due to a concussion that was impacting her life. She received the concussion while skating during an away bout.”

“As a skater, she was easy to coach, followed instructions and left her heart on the track at every bout. She is kind but firm and is able to talk to anyone. She not only gives her time and heart to GRD but also does so with her students. Lu is funny and quick witted and a genuine joy to be around!”

Pitbull (Sara Breeze) also suffered a total loss of her tiny home, which Joel Hart was building. The home was almost complete when it burned.

“Pitbull helps organize Pride events with our league. She is a kind and compassionate human. She is a champion of animals and is always fostering or finding homes for animals. Pitbull travels to other countries to help rescue animals to ensure they have a loving life. She is a knowledgeable athlete who is dedicated to her craft. While she is team oriented and focused, she is also a strong individual who is fiercely independent. Pitbull has a heart of gold and we love having her in our league and in our lives!” said Coach Irma GRD 

GRD Team Member Sara Breeze “Pitbull” on the track.

Coach Irma GRD told CCC News that she speaks with Joel and Jen Hart (Kung Fu Lu) occasionally to do check-ins and that Faye Spounder is checking in on Pitbull to see what they may need. GRD is planning to help clean up the property once the family sets a date and figures out how to proceed.

“My favorite thing about our community is that we are truly a family; we look out for each other and help each other. Each person has a unique skill set, and we all wrap around to create one of the most amazing families of people I have ever had the privilege of being a part of. We all have different personalities and experiences, but we bond together and develop life long friendships,” Coach Irma GRD told CCC News. 

“We try to support any one of us in need. We often help teammates in various times of stress or life changes. We have held fundraisers in the past to help teammates in need as well as community members in need. At each bout we have a halftime 50/50 raffle where we raise money from our fans, and then we as a league match the money raised,” said Coach Irma GRD.

GRD has started two GoFundMe’s to support their teammates who lost their homes in the fire, The Gorge Roller Derby Skater Relief Fund and Get Pitbull’s Tiny Home Rebuilt by GRD. Their goal is to raise money for their teammates and their families to help them recover from the loss and rebuild their homes. So far they have raised $5,305.00 of their $20,0000 goal.

“Her (Jen Hart/Kung Fu Lu) family is experiencing a tremendous amount of sadness and stress due to this unexpected and tragic event. Any financial assistance or support would be greatly appreciated as they begin to clean up the devastation to their property and their lives,” said Rachel Anderson. “We are so grateful to have Kung Fu Lu as our league mate, our coach, and most of all our friend! Please consider helping us support her.”

The Gorge Roller Derby league encompasses a wide area including The Dalles, Hood River, Husum, White River, Bingen, Dufur, Mosier, Cascade Locks and Portland - they are open to anyone in the Gorge and beyond.

GRD ALL Stars posing for a team photo.