When you think about roller derby, you might picture bruises, speed, and fierce competition—but behind the scenes, you’ll find stories of grit, friendship, and spirit. Few exemplify that more than Traci Doutaz, known as Doutaz Mania, a core member and past president of the Lowcountry Highrollers from Charleston, SC. In a heartfelt sit-down with Big Ben Kennedy on Snackin’ & Yakkin’, Traci shares her journey through cancer, derby, and everything that makes life worth living—right down to the movie theater popcorn and a cold Dr Pepper.

If you’re looking for hope, candor, and a fresh look at what it means to keep fighting, settle in for Traci’s remarkable story.

The Derby Life: How Traci Found Her People

Building a Derby Family

Roller derby draws tough women from all walks of life: doctors, teachers, IT pros, and flight attendants. Traci Doutaz started skating with the Lowcountry Highrollers, cultivating her derby alter ego Doutaz Mania—a name picked out by her dad, honoring her both her Swiss heritage and the Tazmania cartoon featuring the Looney Tunes character Taz. The team’s culture? “All in.” Whether on the track or cheering from the sidelines in a top hat, pink shorts, and black Chucks, Big Ben helped hype the crowd, even serving as the unofficial mascot in the early years.

Big Ben shares his observation of the dual personality of derby: off the track, teammates are kind, sometimes shy, and quick to lend a hand. When it’s game time, though, all bets are off. The afterparties are legendary—filled with laughter, stories, and sometimes a bit of chaos: “I was grabbed, groped, smacked, bit more in my life than I ever would be without probably having to pay for it!” But always, the sense of support and community stands out.

Top attributes of derby team members:

  • Toughness
  • Compassion
  • Diverse backgrounds
  • Sense of humor
  • “All In” team spirit

The All In Ethos

The team’s motto, “All In,” isn’t just for show. Players carry poker chips marked with these words, given as tokens and reminders of what it means to give your best—to be a good teammate, show up, and support one another as family. For Traci, this spirit became even more important when cancer upended her life.

Cancer: From a Derby Bruise to Diagnosis

When Skating Saved a Life

Traci’s path to diagnosis started with a derby injury—a lump she found while sitting, bruised, after a bout. That finding led her to a doctor, who (given her family history) ordered an ultrasound. She expected a quick in-and-out appointment, like a past incident that turned out benign. This time, though, the news hit hard: late stage 3 breast cancer, already in multiple lymph nodes.

“I thought it would just be another quick check, but I was there forever. When the head doctor said, ‘I’ve never seen anyone have this kind of imaging and it not be breast cancer,’ I was stunned. I called my mom as I walked out, and just started crying.”

The Gauntlet: Treatment and Transformation

The next phase was a whirlwind:

  • 23+ rounds of chemotherapy
  • Seven weeks of daily radiation
  • Double mastectomy with extensive lymph node removal
  • Ongoing hormone therapy
  • Oral chemo drugs, with all their side effects

Traci lost her hair—a deeply personal blow for someone known for her long blonde braids. When it grew back, she got the classic “chemo curl” that changed her hair color and texture. While friends helped her find wigs, most days she chose beanies, despite how different she looked.

This wasn’t just a physical battle. The emotional impact was sharp: confusion more than denial, as life changed at a speed that left her breathless. The team rallied behind her, and even her oncologist showed up to cheer at derby games.

“I still mourn my old hair, even now. Losing my hair was worse than losing my breasts… But derby, my team, that’s my life. I didn’t have time for my health—I had things to do. But cancer decided it was time.”

Derby Through It All

Despite the demanding schedule, Traci continued to lead the team as president, coaching and mentoring new members even during treatment. She went to one final tournament before her port surgery—a trip her doctor allowed because it mattered so much. The team, underdogs, placed third, and Traci’s effort on the track, despite knowing what lay ahead, was recognized with an MVP award.

After treatment, Traci faced the challenge of returning to skating at a much lower weight. She had to retrain herself—new center of gravity, less mass, and different muscles. It was humbling but empowering.

Community, Camaraderie, and Derby Memories

Leadership and Growth

Traci moved from the shy “fresh meat” to a force on and off the track, stepping up when longtime leaders retired. She learned to let go, focusing (for now) on her own recovery, but still acting as the team’s trusted historian and advisor.

Derby is also about the moments that stick with you: post-bout celebrations, surprise marriage proposals in the rink, and the pride when teammates achieve the impossible. Traci’s team gifted her with a pink cowbell—a symbol of support and celebration at every bout.

Lasting Friendships

Connection runs deep. The “wives” club of original skaters (Green-eyed Sniper, Catty Colemean, Coco, Sofia Lowretched, Goldie Headlocks) welcomed Traci as one of their own. Though some have moved away, the bonds remain strong. Even in tough times, the group stays close—offering advice, late-night texts, and in-person visits.

“When you hear the cowbells, you know you did something good.”

Everyday Life: Movies, Media, and Making Memories

Popcorn, Pop, and Pop Culture

The show’s snacking and yakking tradition featured movie theater popcorn—layered with butter just so—and Dr Pepper, crowned with team koozies. Traci is a fan of all things pop culture, from collecting Harry Potter memorabilia and beyond. She’s a Twilight fan too, always searching for meaning and comfort in the stories she loves.

Physical media holds a special place for her. Old DVDs, vinyl and CDs all feel like talismans against a changing world.

Family, Loss, and the Value of Time

Losing her father when he was only 61 rocked Traci’s view of what “old” means. Now she says “60 is the new 40,” using the lesson to tell loved ones how much they matter—never putting off the chance to say “I love you.” That lesson infuses every gathering, roller derby or otherwise.

Parenting stories from Ben, tales from derby sisters, and the daily check-ins with friends and her mom keep Traci grounded. The importance of embracing each day runs through their conversation.

The Reality of Cancer: Bills, Insurance Denials, and Financial Pain

The Financial Side of Surviving Cancer

Cancer isn’t just a health crisis—it’s a financial onslaught. Even with insurance, Traci was buried in denial letters, appeals, and endless calls to get basic care covered. Routine scans, medications, surgeries, and follow-ups mean yearly deductibles stack up alongside unpaid bills.

“Insurance companies make billions, but someone with cancer has to fight them to get care. Even with insurance, I’ve spent hours on the phone, appealing every denial just to survive. And I think about all the older people who just give up because they don’t know how to fight.”

Why Every Dollar Direct to Patients Counts

Big charities might raise millions, but the real help comes from neighbors, team fundraisers, and direct donors. Traci is clear: support those you know, share what you can with people facing these battles in your community, and approach the pink ribbon giants with skepticism.

If you’d like to help Traci, you can contribute to her GoFundMe campaign, “Pick up the panty for Doutaz”. Funds go straight to medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and the cost of recovery—no middlemen, just support where it’s needed most.

We’re All in This Together

Traci’s plea is simple—don’t just do the annual walks with big ribbons and big production; show up for the folks in your town, on your team, or at your work. If you know someone battling cancer, sending funds, visiting, or simply calling to check in means more than any corporate campaign.

The fight is bigger than one person. “We’re on our own here. We help each other out. That’s what it comes down to.”

Living With Cancer: Resilience, Hope, and Next Steps

A Life Measured in Memories, Not Just Time

Traci learned her cancer will likely return—but she’s not waiting for it. She’s living day by day, doing what matters: more travel (she just returned from two weeks in Hawaii), planning a Twilight tour in the Pacific Northwest, keeping up with roller derby, and cherishing even the smallest wins.

Her mindset isn’t “get busy living” in the usual sense; it’s about not wasting a single opportunity. Building slideshows, making memories for her loved ones, and saying yes to last-minute adventures keep her purpose clear, even as she faces the unknowns of her diagnosis.

“I have to get busy dying—that means doing everything I want to do before I can’t. I’m not giving up, whenever it’s time to start new treatments, I’ll fight. But I’m not waiting for life to happen anymore.”

Building a Lasting Legacy

Traci is focused on passing down meaning, not things. She’s slowed down her collecting and given more time to people, experiences, and joy—the real rewards of a life well lived.

Her advice? “Tell your people you love them. Go to the concert. Take the photo. Cheer loud at the game. Be all in, every day.”

Show Your Support: Links and Resources

If Traci’s story moved you or you want to stand by those battling cancer, consider sharing resources, supporting local fundraisers, or just starting a conversation with someone you love. Here’s where you can learn more, donate, or get involved:

To connect further, follow Snackin’ & Yakkin’ on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

If this story helped you or reflects your own journey, drop a comment on the YouTube episode or reach out. When we talk honestly about cancer, community, and life itself, nobody fights alone.

Cherish your days, lift up your friends, and never hold back your love. Traci’s story reminds us—go “all in.”

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