GILLETTE — Breast cancer survivor Ladena Chitwood wasn’t just skating to win the bout, but to combat a disease that plagued her life.

The experienced, aggressive skater decked out in pink ribbons has a mean hip check. She’s more commonly known in the roller derby realm as Rinki Dink, and she skated with a vengeance on Nov. 16.

Chitwood, 49, was living in Wisconsin when she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, considered the most advanced condition and incurable. The infection had spread to other organs and the prognosis was bleak.

“They told me I had six months to live,” she said. “But I’m still here and I skate.”

Chitwood underwent multiple surgeries before having a double mastectomy in September 2009. On July 1, 2011, she received her first clean scan and has been cancer-free since.

Chitwood attributes the support of family and friends as essential in beating cancer and now lives with a new perception of life.

“When someone is giving you a timeline, little things don’t matter,” she said. “I wake up every day and hope I can help somebody.”

Her proud triumph over cancer was evident in a recent bout. After trailing by as many as 30 points with 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Coal Miners’ Daughters rallied to win 193-177.

After the victory, the celebration and hugs instantly gravitated around Chitwood.

“It’s such a personal thing for me, and this is awesome,” she said.

Additionally, she won a raffle for game helmet panties that both teams autographed. Chitwood decided to give one to a close friend as a gift.

The Coal Miners’ Daughters are easily recognized by their scandalous outfits, violent derby moves and deep-rooted pleasure of giving to charity.

Girls like Sinderella, Pocahaunt-Us, Facedrop Foxx and 16 others have donated thousands of dollars to local families in need as well as major cancer research organizations.

“What this team does is all about charity,” Chitwood said. “People see us out there in our little, skimpy shorts and our fishnet stockings and think, ‘Oh, what a bunch of tramps.’ No, that’s not what it’s all about. It’s all about community, and that’s what we do best.”

The money is raised through raffles, donation jars, ticket sales and concessions.

Through the team’s efforts in the past season, it has raised about $8,000 for a variety of causes, including the fight against Huntington’s Disease, the YES House, and local families in need of aid.

Although the Coal Miners’ Daughters formed a year ago, Chitwood thinks people are starting to associate the derby team with helping the community and are willing to give more.

“It’s an amazing group of women. We have doctors, we have moms, we have financial advisers, we have teachers,” she said. “Amazing, caring people, just the coolest people ever.”

Blocker and stay-at-home mom Jenni-Rose Kirchoff, or Pocahaunt-Us, is a teammate who looked to Chitwood for experience and leadership.

“Knowing Rinki Dink’s personal story and what she has gone through gives what she says more meaning,” Kirchoff said. “She’s still here kicking ass.”

Described as the “team mom” and veteran of the team, Chitwood tries to show leadership toward the other women. She is the oldest member of the team.

“Anytime we get new girls, I’m the first one off the track helping and teaching them,” she said.

The Coal Miners’ Daughters have helped individuals become more charitable, including Kirchoff.

“In the beginning, I just wanted to skate. After realizing where the funds were going, I was 100 percent on board,” Kirchoff said. “I’m striving to do better in my personal life.”

Although Chitwood has endured a number of derby-related injuries (a broken foot and tailbone), she has no intention of stopping soon.

“I’m going to skate as long as I can possibly skate, and when I’m done, I can’t do it anymore, then I’ll coach,” she said.

Chitwood’s good friend of more than 30 years, Tonia Pownall, attended the bout to support her and the team. Pownall said she has gained a lot of strength and inspiration from Chitwood’s triumph over adversity.

“She is a true warrior, as tough as nails. She doesn’t let nothing get her down and she sure doesn’t let anyone see it if it does,” she said. “It’s really amazing to me that she’s doing this in this point of her life. I’m really proud of her.”