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Barry Coping With Katrina Aftermath
Patrick Barry is fighting more than one battle these days. In the wake of what may have been the worst natural disaster in United States history, the 26-year-old K-1 rookie and New Orleans, Louisiana native is struggling to overcome the despair and feeling of emptiness with which Hurricane Katrina left him and his loved ones.
After their home and nearly all of their other possessions were destroyed by the storm, Barry's immediate family, including his mother, stepfather, and brother and sister, took refuge in a hotel room three hours west of the devastated city. Following a three and a half week stay there, they were able to move into a vacant house in Lake Charles, Louisiana that is owned by a mutual friend.
"We lost everything," said Barry, whose father, a former military man, passed away when the young fighter was only six years of age. The family's collection of photographs, which included shots of his dad, was washed away during the hurricane. His father's dog tag that he wears around his neck at all times is now Barry's sole remaining memory of his deceased relative. "People keep asking me when I'm going home, but they don't understand that there is no home to go back to."
While his family remains in their temporary home, Barry has relocated indefinitely to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the home of his martial arts mentor, Jeff "Duke" Roufus. Barry originally sought the assistance of the four- time world Muay Thai champion and K-1 veteran in order to more effectively prepare for an August 13th K-1 "Mayhem At The Mirage" tournament reserve contest. The bout saw Barry score a first round technical knockout on Atlanta, Georgia's Mark Selbee, giving him his first win in K-1 competition.
The Duke Roufus Gym's newest member has since found a strong support system that has been there for him during his time of need. "Everybody out here is really nice," he said. "It's weird because I'm used to being the guy who's always trying to save the world and now I'm the one who's relying on people for help."
To assist the Barry family in their effort to get back on their feet, Roufus and his business partner, Scott Joffe, have formed The Barry Family Fund, a relief effort to collect donations and distribute them to the family of the Roufus protg. Those interested in contributing to the fund may contact Joffe via email at dukeroufusgym@sbcglobal.net. Donations can also be sent to the following address:
The Barry Family Fund c/o Duke Roufus Academy 111 W. Virginia St. Milwaukee, WI 53204
Combat sports apparel company, Instinct Athletics, has agreed to donate to The Barry Family Fund a
portion of all revenue it earns
from the sale of clothing via its official website,
www.instinctathletics.com.
preparing for his next professional start, a K-1 rules matchup with fellow contender, Dustin Hanning, in Milwaukee on Friday, October 21st. The bout will be presented as part of the Roufus and Joffe promoted "Colosseum Returns" martial arts fight card.
- From Instinct Athletics with a little editing from us (color, highlights, etc...)
(9/21/05)
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