Gift of Life:

By Olivier Uyttebrouck / Albuqueruque Journal Staff Writer,

When a severe attack of cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C in 2008 put Lita Mathews on the road to a liver transplant, she responded in a way unusual for Native Americans: she started a blog and talked about her disease publicly.
Her illness began with bleeding ulcers that sent her to a hospital just days before the start of the 2008 Gathering of Nations powwow, which Mathews and her family have organized for 29 years.

The blog, posted on the Gathering of Nations website, offers readers details of Mathews’ three-year medical odyssey. It begins with her diagnosis with cirrhosis in April 2008, the result of a decades-old blood transfusion.
A diagnosis of cancer of the liver in February 2010 put Mathews on a waiting list numbering in the tens of thousands for a donor liver. Her decision to make her story public inspired seven people to volunteer to offer a part of their livers to help save Mathews, an American Indian with roots in Picuris Pueblo.
The volunteer who turned out to have the most compatible match was the ex-wife of Mathews’ husband.
“It took me completely by surprise that she was willing to give me a piece of herself so that I could live,” Mathews said of Beverly Singer, who donated 60 percent of her liver for the May 28, 2010, transplant surgery at Mayo Clinic of Arizona.
“You can give so many things away to people, but the gift of life is the ultimate gift,” she said. “That’s what Beverly gave me.”
Singer, a native of Santa Clara Pueblo/Navajo, provided a liver that matched Mathews so well that the transplant surgeon call it a “miracle of miracles,” said Mathews’ husband, Derek Mathews. Typically, surgeons have to stimulate the transplanted liver with drugs to encourage it to function, but Singer’s liver required nothing, he said.

By finding a living donor, Mathews was able to avoid the long wait that eventually kills many of the 17,000 people in the United States now registered for a donor liver with the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network.
“In many ways it was a miracle that I was able to find exactly what they needed for me,” said Mathews in a recent interview. “It’s not that easy for most people who have to wait, and I didn’t have to wait.”

                       
The long wait
Native Americans typically must wait. And too often, they die waiting.
Native Americans make up a disproportionate share of New Mexicans waiting for donor organs, according to data from New Mexico Donor Services, a nonprofit that oversees organ donations in the state.
Native Americans, who make up 9.4 percent of the state’s population, account for 23 percent of the 423 New Mexicans waiting for a kidney transplant. As of July 30, Native Americans accounted for about 15 percent of all New Mexicans waiting for any kind of donated organ.
Native Americans share a genetic heritage that can make it difficult to match them with a suitable donor, said Maria Sanders, a spokeswoman for New Mexico Donor Services. The fact that Singer and Mathews are both Pueblo women was a key reason for the transplant’s success, she said.
“That’s part of the reason we want more Native American donors, because the matches are much better,” Sanders said. “The individual that gets the transplant does so much better.”
But many Native Americans will not consider donating an organ, possibly because of traditional beliefs, Sanders said.
Sanders frequently discusses organ donation at public events around New Mexico. She spoke about two years ago to about 30 people at an Indian Health Services office in Albuquerque. “Individuals who did not want to hear the information being presented either looked down or turned away from me,” she said. About half the people in the room turned away while Sanders spoke.
Sanders also registers organ donors each year at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. This year, she said, about 10 New Mexicans registered as donors, she said.
“Many people that stop by our table say basically (organ donation) is against their beliefs,” Sanders said.
The attitude is especially prevalent among New Mexicans, she said. “Native Americans from other areas, such as the East Coast, are more willing to donate than Native Americans here in New Mexico.”

Who donates?
New Mexico’s Donate Life donor registry last year exceeded 1 million, meaning about half of New Mexicans have agreed to allow their organs and tissues to be harvested at the time of their deaths.
The state Motor Vehicle Division does not track organ donors by ethnicity. But in McKinley County, where Native Americans make up about 75 percent of the population, only 18 percent of residents are registered as organ donors, Sanders said.
A high proportion of Native Americans also have chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that would disqualify them as either organ donors or recipients, she said.

Value of community
Singer, a professor of anthropology and Native American studies at the University of New Mexico, said she decided to speak publicly about her decision to donate her liver because she recognized the need for more Native Americans to consider donating an organ.
Organ donation squares with traditional values of community that are too often overlooked by contemporary Native Americans, Singer said.
“I think we live in a very self-centered community sometimes,” Singer said. She also wants people to know that donating an organ has improved her outlook on life and made her less critical of others.
“I don’t think that I’m so worried about what’s going to happen in the future,” she said. “I know that everything takes care of itself.”

Dr. Lita Makes First Annual Post Liver Transplant Check-up:

The Mathews family arrived in Phoenix Arizona on Tuesday May 17, 2011 for Dr. Lita Mathews' first annual post liver transplant check up exams at the Mayo Clinic. The exams began early Wednesday morning with a series of blood tests followed by an MRI and a liver biopsy. On Thursday May 19th once again at sunrise Dr. Lita was in the Mayo Clinic to continue the series of rigorous exams. That afternoon when all of the exams were completed, she and Derek and Melonie met with the Post Liver Transplant Nurse/Coordinator, followed by a lengthy visit with the doctor. After a body check of her scar and questions pertaining to how she has been doing since her last visit at the Mayo Clinic last fall, the doctor began to review the results of the exams. All of her blood test had positive results. And to the joy of the Doctors and the Mathews family, the results of the liver biopsy showed all was going well with her new liver. The concern that the Hepatitis C and liver scaring had returned was negative. Doctor Vargas gave Dr. Lita the clearance to return to her complete normal way of life. For her and her family this means she can return to competitive dancing and unlimited travel. However this goes without saying that her new normal will always require paying attention to her health and to take great care of her new liver.

It was three years ago just before the start of the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow that Dr. Lita Mathews was stricken with complications related to Hepatitis C which had caused cirrhosis of her liver. After that for the next fifteen months Lita was being vigorously treated for the Hep C. Throughout the treatment period, the Hep C levels had been reduced to negative and was not visible. No sooner that the treatment was completed, it was detected that the Hep C treatment had caused a cancer tumor in the liver, and the Hepatitis had returned. This meant that Lita needed a liver transplant as soon as possible to save her life. Her doctor in Albuquerque recommended she go to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix to be evaluated and to seek the new liver. During the next few weeks seven people came foreword to donate a portion of their liver to Lita. Of the seven, only one passed all the exams to become eligible to donate the liver. At the start of the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, April 23, 2010, the family received the good news that the living donor candidate had passed all tests and was ready to donate the liver. The date was then set and on May 28th, 2010 Dr. Lita Mathews and her liver donor walked from the hotel and into the Mayo Clinic Hospital for the liver transplant surgery. The transplant was a success.

For one year the doctors observed the recovery of her health and the fact that the new liver was working properly without rejection. During that one year Lita became an advocate for organ donors. In February 2011, The Gathering of Nations Powwow won the Grammy for the best Native American Music Album. During the acceptance speeches by Derek, Melonie, and Dr. Lita, Lita spoke to the audience and the world expressing the need for everyone to consider becoming an organ donor. She told the people that if it had not been for a generous individual who donated a piece of her liver, she would have not been alive to receive the Grammy award. At the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, this past April (2011) Dr. Lita again addressed the audience both in the stadium and on the internet and encouraged all people to consider becoming a donor. She was more specific concerning the need for Native American people to become donors. She discussed the desperate need of many Native people who need organ transplants. She said that it is time to alter the personal and traditional ways of thinking which prevents Native Americans from becoming donors. Her donor was a traditional Native American woman who saw the need and had the desire to share life. The donation of organs is one way to complete and to extend the circle of life.

Dr. Lita will continue to be an advocate for transplant donors and to encourage people to sign the back of the driver's license. She and her family wish to thank all the many Native people who conducted ceremonies and the others around the world who offered prayers for her return to good health. She is determined to not let them down as she has been given a second chance to move forward with her life.

Dr. Lita Mathews Returns To The Mayo Clinic For The Transplant Reunion:

It was on Saturday October 23rd, 2010 when Dr. Lita Mathews and her family attended the Mayo Clinic Liver Transplant Reunion. The reunion was held on the Mayo Clinic campus in Phoenix Arizona. It is intended to bring together all of the many liver transplant recipients who have received a new liver over the past eleven years. It was a great celebration of life re-newed. With more than two hundred transplant recipients in attendance, it was most impressive when they were all called upon to stand up. later the event had a very emotional moment when Dr. Douglas asked the parents of a deceased liver donor to please stand up to be recognized.

The reunion/luncheon featured great and health food as many of the liver transplant team members were there, including Dr. Douglas (Department Head), Dr. Mulligan (Transplant Surgeon), Dr. Vega, several transplant coordinators and others. Lita was very happy to see her new friend Rosie Chavez at the reunion. Rosie received a liver transplant just three days after Lita received her new liver.

As the reunion drew to a close Dr. Lita decided to do even more to draw focus to the need for more organ donors, especially from the Native American community. The Native American community has the lowest number of organ donors, while the need is high. There are many native people who may have refused to become an organ donor based upon cultural and religious reasons. However as native people all relate to the medicine wheel with the four colors on it, representing the people and cultures of the World, we are all one family.

To all Native people that Medicine wheel and more specific the pow wow circular arena represent the circle of life. To become an organ donor helps to keep the circle unbroken and the celebration of life. Dr. Lita Mathews encourages everyone to sign the back of their driver's license to become an organ donor, and for those interested in becoming a live organ donor to contact the Mayo Clinic (480) 342-1010, or your state organ donor services. Lita says that if it was not for the generosity of a great and wonderful individual who shared her liver with her, she may not be alive today

Dr. Lita's Life Returns to Near Normal:

It has been over three months since the last entry.  Dr. Lita Mathews received her living donor transplant back on May 28, 2010. That wonderful and miraculous occasion took place over four months ago. Since returning to Albuquerque New Mexico  in late June, Lita has been hanging pretty close to home. She has shown constant improvement in her health. Dr. Lita has been regaining her strength each and everyday. Her new liver is doing very well and is also growing. It should be near full size in about two months. And the donor, Beverly Singer's liver has returned to full size.

About one month after returning home, Lita's weekly blood tests became slightly elevated in certain areas.

The Mayo Clinic asked Lita to return to Phoenix and the Mayo Clinic because their were issues that needed to be checked out. During the exams at the Mayo Clinic the issue of concern was a build up of scar tissue in the bile duct. This is a location inside the liver where Lita and her new liver are joined. This is a very common and expected issue with live liver recipients. An endoscopy procedure was performed to place a stint in the bile duct and open the ever growing scar tissue. During the healing period the scar tissue is known to develop.

A day after the endoscopic procedure was done, Derek & Lita returned home again to Albuquerque. For the next two months Lita Mathews continued on the road to recovery. Her daily routines were all slowly returning. Her exercise routines were also increasing, and all her vital daily and weekly exams continued to improve. During this time Dr. Lita was busy with several projects. She read three novels, served as a judge for the Native fashions competition at the Santa Fe Indian Market (SWIA), Attended the Taos Ski Valley music Festival, and the New Mexico State Fair. For a small lady who recently has undergone such major surgery, Lita's energy levels are high.

As the time moved forward toward Lita once again returning to the Mayo Clinic for the scheduled four month check up. And as the doctors and nurses at Mayo had told her, in four months she should have returned to her normal lifestyle and doing the things in her life that is normal. For Dr. Lita her goal was to return to the pow wow arena and dance in her buckskin dress. So with that in mind the timing was perfect. On Thursday September 23rd. Lita and her family, (Derek & Melonie) headed west to California for the Morongo Casino Pow Wow. It was at this event that Lita, for the first time since the transplant had put on her beaded buckskin dress. Upon arriving at the arena Lita was met with hellos and hugs from many people, dancers, singers and others. Lita then lined up with her dance category and danced into the arena during the grand entry. It was clear to all from the swaying of Lita's fringes on her dress, her feet dancing forward to the rhythm of the drum, and the smile on Lita's face that she was glad to be back. During the afternoon session she danced ten inter-tribal songs and then danced two songs in the competition. Lita was not competing however. After the dance contest was over and judging was complete, all of the ladies who had just danced swarmed around Lita. It was their way of welcoming her back into the arena. What a day for Lita!
 
The Morongo Pow Wow ended on Sunday afternoon. The next morning the Mathews family were on their way, east on I-10 to Phoenix and the mayo Clinic. On Tuesday Morning Lita began her scheduled four month medical check up. This was to be three days of exams and blood tests. On the fourth day a Mayo Clinic doctor once again performed an endoscopic procedure to remove the stint from the bile ducts located in the liver. An endoscopic procedure is done through the mouth, using a device with tools and a camera.  The device is carefully passed down through the throat and to the liver.
 
At the end of the exams Lita, Melonie and Derek Then met with the doctors. The doctors were very pleased to report that Lita is doing very well. Her Liver is healthy and so far there is no return of the "Menace" Hepatitis C. The bile duct was open and performing as it should.  Her recovery is on track.  As the three of them left the mayo Clinic, Lita was reminded to go home and return to her normal life. However back to normal Lita's daily life returns, it will be filled up with good music, pow wows, dancing and the Gathering of Nations. The family remains humble and continues to thank the many people who have sent good feelings, prayers and financial help. It has been all of that and much more that helped. 
 
THANK YOU!

Dr. Lita Mathews now scheduled for a Living Donor Liver Transplant:
It was in Friday April 23, at the start of the Gathering of Nations pow wow, when Derek Mathews received the phone call that the medical exams on the potential living donor had all gone well. To the delight of the family, Derek announced the good news to the pow wow audience at the start of the special women's stationary contest to honor lita. The Audience was pleased with the news as well. Throughout the weekend many people, dancers and singers came forward to lita, only to wish her the best and to tell her that they were praying for her.

On Friday evening, Chief Leonard Crow Dog prayed for lita and he too blessed her, wishing her the best of health. He told her that she will come through it all in a good way. He told her that she will soon be back to good health and dancing again. Late on Saturday evening, before the close of the Gathering of Nations Pow wow, Julius Not Afraid called Lita into the arena and blew his whistle on the Midnite Express Drum to start a song. During the song he and other dancers surrounded Lita and continued to blow their whistles. At the end of the song, He told her of his love for her. He said that she has been a role model for him ever since he was a little boy. It was Lita who has inspired him to go to college to get a college education. He spoke of the fondness his family has for her. He also remembered the time when his grand father came to Albuquerque to bless the pow wow arena and to pray for the Mathews family. Terry Fiddler later spoke to the audience to express the words of Julius.

The Liver transplant is now schedule for Friday May 28th, at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Arizona. Lita will the be in the hospital for about a week to ten days. Then she must remain in Phoenix for another six weeks or so for outpatient check-ups twice each week. Derek & melonie will remain close to Lita throughout it all as they assist her with recovery.

The Mathews family is humbled by the many good wishes and the prayers of so many. They want to thank everyone for their kindness and thoughts. it is the strength and spiritual motivation necessary for them to get through it all.

Through the many years those who have known Dr. Lita and have been touched by her kindness and generosity, truly understand the type of person that she is. As Many of you know the cost of such and operation is very expensive. To assist with the financing of the transplant, and if you choose to help, this can be done by the purchase of her book and audio book, "A POW WOW SUMMER ACROSS NORTH AMERICA". They are available on the Gathering of Nations web site (please scroll down). All the proceeds from the sales will go into the account established to assist with expenses related to her hospital bills. No Money from the Gathering of Nations has been used to assist with her health expenses.

Dr. Lita returns to Mayo Clinic for a Check-Up:
Since returning home from the visit at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Dr. Lita has had her ups and downs. To begin to explain, we shall begin by telling you that the treatment which was done to stabilize the tumor on February 13th was a bit traumatic. The chemo medication  left Lita weak and throwing up for several days after. Because of her small body size and her body being unfamiliar with heavy drugs, the pain medications and anesthetics used during the minor surgery took over a week to wear off. However after a week at home, Lita rapidly began to return to her normal self and soon began to regain her strength. On or about March 5th, Lita noticed that her hair was beginning to fall out. This was a very tragic and traumatic experience for her. Her hair was the pride of her dad, who prior to his passing, several years ago, asked her to never cut her hair. And in his memory Dr. Lita had sponsored the long hair contest at the Gathering of Nations powwow. She has lost a lot of hair, but not all.

On March 12th, Derek and Lita headed West out of Albuquerque to attend the powwow at Cal State Long Beach University. The weekend in the open California air was good for the two of them. The people attending the powwow were very happy to see Lita. There were smiles and hugs from many. As it has been evident through out this difficult period, the sounds of the drums and the well wishes from the people have proven to be an instant soul healing for Lita. This weekend Lita Mathews dressed out in her traditional clothing and participated in the powwow. Over the two days of the powwow she danced several intertribals, and even competed in the contest. To her surprise and delight she got third place. This was only the second time that Lita had danced in the past two years. It was at Cal State Long Beach, two years ago, Dr. Lita was awarded with first place in the Women's Northern Traditional category. Just three weeks after that event, she was hospitalized with the bleeding internally which was the first discovery of her health condition related to the Hepatitis C. Also at the powwow Lita's friend Luisa Blue Eyes had a special honor song for her. Nearly all the people came out to shake her hand, hug her, and dance with her. What a way to end a great weekend.

The next day Derek and Lita pointed their big black truck East and headed to Phoenix, Arizona, where she had a scheduled two day appointment at the Mayo Clinic. The purpose of this appointment was to examine her and to check the procedure done one month ago to stabilize the tumor in her liver. At the end of the second day at the mayo Clinic, Dr. Douglas told Lita that the stabilization procedure was a success and the tumor was not growing. He also told them that one of the candidates who had offered to become a living liver donor for Lita had passed the preliminary tests and they were ready to move her forward and bring her to the Mayo Clinic for the complete battery of medical exams and prepare (hopefully) for the liver transplant. The candidate has now been scheduled to begin the exams on Monday April 19th. That is the week leading into the Gathering of Nations PowWow. How coincidental that it will be that week, exactly two years since Lita's health journey began.

The Special honor contest for Dr. Lita Mathews at the Gathering of Nations for Women's Stationary dancers will be very special. The healing power of the songs and dance will be very positive as the family prepare for the major portion of healing Lita and returning her to good health. They hope that all of you will come to Albuquerque for the PowWow and to wish Lita well. If all goes well with the exams for the donor, they hope to schedule the Liver transplant for Mid May at the Mayo Clinic.

So Lita, Melonie, and Derek left the Mayo Clinic for the weekend to digest the news. On Saturday, February 13th, they traveled across Phoenix to attend the annual Hoop Dance Contest. Upon arrival, hearing the drums immediately was soothing to their weary mental state. Talking with Dennis Bowen the announcer and others, the day in the warm Phoenix sun slowly raised their spirits and helped to move their minds temporarily away from the issue. On Sunday they spent the day at the Phoenix zoo. At the zoo they spent the day walking and enjoying the sights and focusing on the caged animals. A large portion of their discussions were considering how the lives of the animals might have been if they were free of the limited environment. The Mathews as a family possess a free spirit. If it was not for that they perhaps could not survive the many ups and downs that Lita's health challenges have presented.

At the end of the day, Dr. Lita and her family left the zoo and headed to a New Mexican style restaurant (Arriba's) in Phoenix. Just before they got out of their black Chevy truck, Dr. Lita's cell phone rang. On the other end was a dear friend of Lita's. She was attending a powwow in Southern California. Patricia Lopez was very aware of the devastating news about the return of the Hep C and the need for a liver transplant. Arlie Neskahi, who along with his dad wrote the Gathering of Nations Song in 1986, was the announcer for the powwow. Patricia had talked to Arlie about Lita, and he decided to give her a call during the powwow and to do his part to lift her spirits and to send all the blessings to her and the family that he could. Arlie talked to Lita and then sang the Gathering of Nations Song and his father's song. The songs were composed and sung in the Navajo language. For Lita, Melonie, and Derek this was a very special moment. It was the spirit and strength builder for them that they needed, as they were preparing for what was to take place back at the Mayo Clinic the very next day. At the end of the songs, Lita had the opportunity to speak to thank Arlie Neskahi and Patricia Lopez for this special moment. She also thanked the audience, who during the song stood in silence.

On Monday Morning, February 15th, at 6:00 a.m. Lita was admitted to the hospital at the Mayo Clinic to undergo chemotherapy treatment to stabilize and shrink the tumor in her liver. The treatment was said by the doctors and medical staff to have gone very well. However she had to remain overnight in the hospital to recover and to sleep of the heavy sedation and medications for pain. On Tuesday afternoon she was released from the Mayo Clinic to begin her journey home. The treatment to stabilize the tumor allows time for the results from the week-long examination to be compiled, and for the Mayo Clinic transplant team to consider if she will be a good candidate for the live liver transplant. At the time of this report, the results are pending. If she is considered for the live donor transplant, it is expected to take place shortly after the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, April 23 & 24, 2010. This gives the time needed to bring forward the three potential donors who have a blood type match with Dr. Lita. Each of them will have to undergo a medical evaluation, similar the one Lita went through. If all goes well and the transplant from a living donor will take place, Lita will get another and deserved chance at life. If the candidates for the live donor transplant do not work out, she will the be on the waiting list for a cadaver donor.

It has been a long road for Lita Mathews and her family, but their determination and strength is founded on their focus as champions and the many prayers, ceremonies, and well wishes from people around the world. The Mathews family invites and hopes to see all who read this blog and others at the Gathering of Nations Pow wow, to publicly thank all of them. Without their help this battle may have not been able to be fought.

Dr. Lita Mathews Takes On Another Medical Challenge:

As a standard procedure at the conclusion of the treatment for Hep C, internal exams are performed. On December 29th an MRI was done. The results were given to the family on Friday January 8th. The results of the MRI showed that Lita's liver had developed a small cancer. Similar exams were done every 6 months through the treatment period. All the other previous tests showed that Lita remained cancer free. This cancer developed sometime since the June 2009 exam. At the start of the treatment for Hep C, Lita was told that there was a three percent chance of cancer developing within the liver.

The recommendation now is for Lita to receive a liver transplant. Derek and Melonie have already begun the process for the University of New Mexico Hospital to make the referral for Lita to go to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona to get it all started. The first step is for her to receive an evaluation to determine the severity of the cancer and to begin preparations for the transplant.

Currently nationwide, there are approximately six thousand people on the waiting list for liver transplants. However if she can get a family match that would be the ideal. Last weekend a family meeting with Dr. Lita's family was called to let them all know what is going on. Lita's youngest sister and two nieces immediately offered to be considered as donors.

Since that family meeting, as word of this news about Lita began to spread throughout the country, several people have also said that they would be willing to be considered as donors. If a living match can be found, the liver transplant could possibly happen in late February or Early March. During the transplant surgery, the donor will give Lita half of their liver. The liver in both Lita and the donor will grow back to full size and healthy.

There are 2 positives here however. The Hep C seems to be gone. However the doctors will check again in 6 months. The other positive is with a new liver, Lita should be completely done with this medical issue. Since the Hep C treatment ended on December 1st, Lita has been getting stronger every day and it has been very noticeable. Doctor Arora told her that until the match is found and the transplant is done, she must continue exercising, doing the things that she likes to do, and make her body as strong and healthy as possible.

Should any one choose to be considered as a living donor for Dr. Lita, please leave an e mail message at: getwelldrlita @ gatheringofnations.com (no spaces in the email address). In the email please include name, address, age, phone number and blood type. Individuals choosing to become a donor should be between 18 and 55 years of age, and in good health.

Dr. Lita wants everyone to know that she and her family are so thankful of all those who have sent prayers and good thoughts to her. Once again it will be very helpful for her and the family to receive those words of encouragement from those who care. She believes in the power of prayer and spiritual energy. She also believes that the songs from the big drums and the powwow people in the arena will be helpful to her. She continues to look forward to returning to the arena to dance. Her own spirit is there and she wants to again wear her dresses and dance with her friends.

The special contest for Women's' Traditional - Stationary style dancing is still planned for the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in April. Lita's wants it to be known that all women who dance the stationary style are invited to participate. It means a lot to her and her family for everyone to be there and participate. The Gathering of Nations Web Site will make additional entries to this blog when there is significant information to be shared.

If you have blood type "O" (negative or positive) and are interested in donating a liver or if you would like to send a get well message to Dr. Lita, please email getwelldrlita @ gatheringofnations.com. (no spaces in the email address). Your generous liver donation will save Lita's life.

Dr. Lita Mathews completes treatment for Hep C, Dr. Arora:
It was Tuesday December 1st, the day Dr. Lita Mathews received her last treatment for the recovery from the Hepatitis C virus. The treatment length of time was fifteen months of intense and chemo-like therapeutic treatments. However through it all Lita handled it very well. She and her family were determined to attack the virus both from a medical and a spiritual approach. It is believed that the combination of the two resulted in the success of reducing the virus to non-detectable levels and the healing of her damaged liver.

The last month however was a challenge as the anxiety towards the end grew near. During this time Dr. Arora increased the dosage of the medication. This was to finish off the virus. With this would be the expectations of greater and additional side effects. However Dr. Lita did not feel too much of the wrath of side effects. There was an increased head & body aches the day after her injections were given. Throughout the treatment her spirit and energy levels remained strong.

Even though the treatments have ended, there remains the months ahead to now recover and re-gain her strength. Lita was told that the medication will take about five to six months to completely be eliminated from her body. Over the next few weeks she will begin a calculated exercise program. Her intention is to return to dancing in about three months. Dr. Arora has asked her to return to the University of New Mexico Hospital Clinic in six months for a follow up visit.

Also during this recovery period, Dr. Lita will return to her position, working hard to publish the 2010 Gathering of Nations Program Book, and preparing for her annual book give. The 2010 Gathering of Nations is very special for her. It was just days before the start of the 2008 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow when she was hospitalized with ruptured veins in her throat. It was at that time that prayers and miracles saved her life. The timing to the emergency room was critical. Then after the bleeding had been stopped, the family was informed that most people who suffer in this way seldom recover and die within six weeks. Lita proved them wrong. The veins not only were healed, the doctor reported that they were gone.

The rest is written about back throughout the many weeks of this blog. Out of the humbleness of Lita and her family, she has chosen to honor all the dancers whom dance her style of dancing, Women's Stationary. There will be a contest at the 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow wow for this style of dancing.

Over the many years of dancing, she has been a champion many times. She has made many friends and believes that the give away is a humble way to return to the arena. Once again she has become a champion, defeating Hep C. The women's Stationary Contest will feature $2,000.00 first place and a vacation for two. Dr. Lita Mathews used her illness to bring focus to the viral disease of Hepatitis C among Native people. It is a silent killer which many Natives and others carry. She is the story of hope and faith that it can be over-come.

Dr. Lita is excited about the contest and the 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow wow. She hopes to see all Native women who dance this style in the contest. This entry closes Dr. Lita's blog. Lita, Melonie & Derek invite everyone to the 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow wow!. They once again wish to thank everyone for their prayers, well wishes and concern. Without it her recovery could not have been possible.

New Mexico Hep C Alliance Conference:

Well as the time winds down on Lita's treatment for Hepatitis C, she continues to do remarkably well. Let it be clearly understood that the treatment regiment is extreme. As matter of fact there are so many people who for one reason or another cannot complete the treatment program. The injections of medication along with all of the other pills and weekly blood tests that are required to get through it are intense. And through it all Dr. Lita has become a model patient. Her determination to get through it has been remarkable.

A couple of weeks ago Lita along with her doctor were invited to speak at the New Mexico Hep C Alliance conference. Lita, Melonie and Derek discussed with the group assembled, her history of Hep C and how she has been getting through the treatment. And how she and the family have worked as a team throughout the treatment program. As a family there support has truly been there. It has been the attention of all three of them to see that Lita gets through it. Her diet, exercise, rest, blood test, etc have all been the daily and weekly tasks. When Lita's Doctor, Dr. Arora spoke, he acknowledged her as a remarkable individual. He then also mentioned the great experience he had at the 2009 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow.

It was his first, and he hopes to be there again in 2010. Dr. Arora is an international leading physician in the field of Hepatitis C. How lucky for Lita that his home is Albuquerque and University of New Mexico Hospital is his base. Since treatment began for Lita, she has made it her cause bring a focus on the treatment of Hep C. Dr. Arora was extremely happy to be able to reach Native people and so many others through the Gathering of Nations and it's network.

One of the few trips that the Mathews have made this summer was to Morongo, a couple of weeks ago. It was overwhelming how the dancers and drums acknowledged Lita with hugs and smiles. Not only can it be said that there is healing in the songs and the dances, but in the hugs and smiles as well. It also demonstrated that the people in the arena, are as one family.

The fall season of 2009 has arrived. Dr. Lita Mathews has just 6 1/2 weeks to the completion of treatment for Hep C. The road has been long, but the finish line is now in sight. When the treatment ends on December 1st there will be several weeks/months of recovery and strengthening. She looks forward to seeing everyone at the 'Gathering', and return to dancing by the late spring and next summer.

3 months remaining of Hep C treatments, powwow arena provides healing:

The long awaited fall season has arrived. With the start of September, Dr. Lita has just three months remaining in her medical treatment for the Hepatitis C virus. Everyone, doctors and nurses included, are astonished at how well she has handled it all. The doctor has increased the treatment dosage to improve the odds that the virus will never return. At the same time the doctor has prescribed another medication to boost her white blood cells and improve the quality of her immune system.

 Lita was told that with the increase in medication there could be added side effects of headaches, aches in the bones, and the possibility of a reduction in red blood cells. When the increased treatment dosage and the second injection was first given, Lita did experience some of the headaches, stomach aches, and body pains. However due to the active life she has been accustomed to, Derek has been able to get her out a few mornings each week at sunrise for about a one mile walk. The doctor recommended for her to continue with moderate exercise, and it has aided to ease the pains. And to keep her red blood cell count high, Derek has increased her diet to include large portions of fresh berries and dark green vegetables. This too has proven to work.

Dr. Lita's last blood test showed that her white blood cells were nearing normal, and the red cell count was normal. Normal blood cell counts will help Lita to ward off the threats of H1N1 flu and other virus. The stomach aches were eliminated with a cold cup of ginger ale. Ginger is an excellent a natural remedy for nausea and upset stomach discomfort. The family continues to live on the faith and belief that the traditional ways and the well wishes of many have been a major factor in how well she has done so far.

Dr. Lita Mathews is committed to her beliefs about the healing which the powwow arena, with it's songs and sights of the dancers also serve in the healing process. A few weeks ago, Melonie danced to aid in Lita's spiritual healing at the Feast Day celebration in Santa Clara Pueblo. That was a great day for Lita and her family. The Mathews family are excited about their involvement in the Pow Wow at the New Mexico State fair, later this month in Albuquerque, and her return to dancing next spring.

Treatment is working:

Since the Gathering, Dr. Lita Mathews has continued her treatment for Hepatitis C. It was believed that the stress from the Gathering had little effect on her condition. However, in a blood test taken 3 weeks after the Gathering, results showed some increased levels in the concerns for her liver recovery. This may have been brought on by the excessive headache that she had which lasted for several days. After a correction to her diet with increased vegetables and fruits along with yogurt, the next 2 blood tests were much improved and actually showed near normal levels.

Her most current exams have shown that the treatment is working. The medical team at UNMH are very impressed with how well she is handling it all. Dr. Lita and her family have been extremely careful as to not allow her to become fatigued, because this could effect her immune system. The tests on her white blood cells has remained at a constant (.6) even though this is a bit low for a normal person, this level is expected for a patient receiving treatment for Hep C. The medical staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital have not yet prescribed any medication to raise the white blood cell levels.

Dr. Lita, Derek, and Melonie will be on the road this summer attending powwow s and other functions. Her energy levels are not yet high enough to dance competitively, however she feels that the sound of the drums and being around friends is another part of her healing. The treatments will come to an end on December 1st. At that time, as her strength returns, she will begin an active exercise and training program to get her ready for a full summer of dancing in 2010.

Dr. Lita Mathews wishes everyone a great summer on the powwow trail and hopes to see many of you out there.

Cleared for the 2009 Gathering of Nations PowWow:

Dr. Lita continues to do well while undergoing the treatment for Hep C. Her doctors cleared her to attend the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, provided she did not get overly stressed or do any work. Her energy level is limited, so Derek provided a golf cart for her to get up and down the steep ramp at the bottom of the Pit. He also had a small motor home parked behind Stage 49 so that she would have a place to rest during the long hours of the pow wow. It was difficult for her to just sit and watch but she did and really enjoyed watching the dance and hearing the sounds of the most awesome drum groups in Indian Country. The people who stopped by the announcer stand to greet her really filled her heart with joy.

As most of you know the Gathering of Nations Pow wow is the life's work of the Mathews family. They are extremely happy to know that so many people enjoy the work that they do. Dr. Lita while being limited by the amount of physical work that she could do this year, worked with Rusty Gillette to produce the fantastic program book. She also provided needed encouragement to Melonie and Derek to stay strong and to make the Pow wow and the Miss Indian World Pageant the best possible.

Dr. Lita has been cleared by her doctors to do limited travel this summer, provided her health and immune system stay at a safe level. So, you will see the Mathews' on the Pow wow trail from time to time throughout the summer. Lita will not be dancing competitively until her treatment for Hepatitis C is complete at the end of December. Next year at the Gathering, she will host and sponsor a special contest for Women's Buckskin - Stationary style dancing. The contest will offer fantastic prize money and other prizes. All of the information will be on the 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow poster.

Once again Dr. Lita and her family are so grateful to all who have sent their prayers and well wishes for her recovery. It assisted her in getting through the most difficult of chemotherapy treatments. She is humbled by it all and will never forget it.

Songs and Dancers, help her spirit and enhance healing process:

Dr. Lita received some great news on New Year's Eve. The University of New Mexico Hospital called her to inform her that the most recent blood test which she had taken about a week earlier showed that she was now Hep C free. This means the Hepatitis viral count was now negative. Lita danced around the room is pure joy. However this does not mean that the treatments will end.

There is still a lot of work to be done to make sure that the hepatitis does not return and that her liver continues to heal. As of now, the treatments will come to an end in early December 2009. Until then she must limit her activities and being among indoor crowds, as the risk of infection and colds remains high. She looks forward the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow and realizes that she must limit her activities at that time but feels as though the songs and the dances will help her spirit and to enhance the healing process.

Derek & Melonie hope that all of you will come to Albuquerque in April for the Gathering of Nations to enjoy the event and to show support and encouragement for her recovery.

11 weeks, viral count:

For the past 11 weeks, Dr. Lita Mathews has been receiving treatment for the Hepatitis C Virus. She's responding exceptionally well to the treatment. Lita has been experiencing a few side-effects, such as diarrhea and mild exhaustion. The treatment has thinned her hair a little, but has not experienced any baldness as she was warned that one of the side-effects of the treatment can cause thinning hair. Dr. Mathews has been able to continue working and living normally with the exception of extensive travel.

Unfortunately, Lita is unable to be in large crowds or in any environment where the possibility of her catching a cold is likely due to the fact that her immune system is weakened from the medication that treats the Hep C virus. She will continue treatment and will be tested in the next couple weeks to find out the viral count. Her last viral count showed a significant drop in the amount of virus in her body and her doctors are confident that she will be viral-free upon the results of the next test. Once she is considered viral-free, she will remain on treatment for one year, to ensure the complete eradication of the Hepatitis C Virus.

With Christmas a few days away, she wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and is very thankful for all of the prayers and positive thoughts that she has received.

Over 6 weeks of treatment, few side effects:

Dr. Lita is now over six weeks into this extensive treatment to heal her body of the Hepatitis C virus. On November 4th Lita had another blood test. This particular blood test measured the viral count of the Hepatitis C. The results were read and reported back to Lita on Friday November 7th. The results of the first month's treatment were very good. The treatments are working! Dr, Lita's viral count prior to the start of the treatments was at 1,900,000 parts per million. The current blood test showed the viral count at only 348 parts per million. This is very good results as it showed that her body has responded positively to the treatment.

The goal is to reduce the viral count to zero parts per million. The doctors believe that a zero parts per million count is coming very soon. Even though the viral count is lowering rapidly and expected to be reduced to zero parts per million very soon, the treatments have been extended for an additional nine weeks. This extension is to ensure that the Hepatitis virus is gone and Lita is cured. The blood test also have shown an improvement in liver function.

Overall Dr. Lita is handling the treatments very well with few side effects so far. On few occasions she has had some body and head aches. She also has tired easily as well. Upon looking at her, she looks like she is in the best of health. She has not lost weight or had any other visible effects of the treatment. At her last meeting with the doctor they told her they were very pleased with her progress but warned of the risk of potential infections and colds. This is due to the treatments are lowering her white blood cells. This is normal and to be expected. The doctor told her that if the white blood cells drop too low she will then receive another medication to help bring the cell count back up to an acceptable and safe level. It is the white blood cells which help the body to fight infection. This is one of the many reasons why through this time Lita must avoid being in crowds and to avoid sick people.

Dr. Lita, Melonie and Derek have the confidence of the Medical team at UNM. Their attention to Lita has been comforting. Dr. Ahora is world famous in this field of medicine. Once again the family wishes to thank everyone for their concern and prayers. They feel that they have helped to make this difficult time bearable. She is looking forward to getting back to dancing sometime late next summer. She enjoys dancing and it is her personal passion.

Sweats, prayers and ceremonies for Lita:

The weekend of September 5, 6, & 7 Dr. Lita fulfilled her commitment to the Sycuan Tribe of California by attending the pow wow and serving as their Northern Head Lady Dancer. On Saturday afternoon Lita had her honoring dance and give-away. Derek spoke on her behalf to the people. He began by telling them about how this was the biggest moment of her summer, as she was determined to be well enough and strong enough to make the trip. He went on to explain to the people about he illness and the road of recovery ahead. The people came out in mass to hug her, shake her hand and to pray for her. It was a very moving time as the drum group, The Boyz honored her by singing the Gathering of Nations Song.

Rick Yazzie, a fancy dancer along with others mentioned that when they returned home they would be sponsoring sweats and other ceremonies to pray for her. Rick place on of the Get Well Dr. Lita Mathews wrist bands on his out fit and told her that he would be dancing for her each weekend until she was cured of the hepatitis C and liver disease. He told her that his family and the Mathews family were as close as one family, and how important it is for her to get well and return healthy to the pow wow arena.

Later on Saturday another man came forward to tell her about his encounter with hepatitis C and liver disease. He said that he had gone through the treatments two years ago and was now completely healed. He want on to say that the scaring of his liver and the liver disease was completely gone. The Mathews family was extremely pleased with this as it was all positive concerning Lita's road to recovery.

In just a few days Lita will begin the treatments to begin fighting the Hepatitis C. The length of the treatments will be form eight to forty-eight weeks. It is also expected to have several side effects, such as itching, lack of appetite, lowered immune system and depression. It has been said that not everyone experiences all or any of theses side effects.

Currently all of Dr. Lita's medical exams have been good and have shown positive signs that she will make it through the treatments successfully. Lita continues to thank everyone for all of the get well wishes and prayers. She truly believes that the pow wow people are all members are a unique group and comprise a huge extended family.

Dr. Lita Mathews at home recovering - 1st Blog Entry:

On the Morning of April 22nd, just three days before the start of the 25th annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, Dr. Lita Mathews was rushed to an Albuquerque hospital suffering from bleeding ulcers. It was to her amazement and graciousness of a higher spirit that the people at the hospital, in the emergency room knew her and were able to get her immediate attention needed to save her life. Dr. Lita. A co-producer of the Gathering of Nations with her husband Derek and daughter Melonie, is at home recovering. She has a long road to go and needs your help and get well wishes.

The bleeding ulcers were the result of a blood transfusion which she was given more than 30 years ago. The blood transfusion was tainted. The tainted blood affected her liver in ways which now make it difficult for her blood to clot properly. When admitted to the hospital she was near death. Her blood was at zero percent oxygen and they had to give her several units of blood. Her body responded to the attention and medication. The doctors were amazed at her great physical condition. This was a direct result of her daily exercise program and her competitive dancing at many Pow Wows throughout the year.

The doctors released her from the hospital a couple of days early in order for her to attend the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. They knew that this was where her spirit would receive nourishment. However, it was advised that she not do any work at the pow wow. Since the end of the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow many people have sent along their get well wishes. When first released from the hospital the doctors instructed her to limit travel, and dancing was out of the question. Since that time several of her exams have shown enough improvement that when she regains full strength, she may begin limited travel and dancing.

Dr. Lita is hopeful to return to the pow wow trail in late July. She has been invited to serve as the Head Lady Dancer for the Sycuan Pow Wow in September. Dr. Lita says that she is determined to hold her promise to the Sycuan people and be there in September as their head lady Dancer. The Sycuan Reservation Resort and Casino is located just a few miles East of San Diego. Dr. Lita would like to encourage everyone to join her there.

The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow for Lita and her family is their life's work. The joy of bringing smiles, cultural pride and opportunity to Native people is what excites her. She has been involved in the educational components of the Gathering of Nations as well as making recommendations and sponsorship of the many acts of kindness the Gathering of Nations has been able to deliver. Lita's involvement in the Pow Wow world is critical. She has a smile for nearly everyone in the arena all of the time.

Dr. Lita Mathews received her PhD from the University of New Mexico in 1999. Since that time she has used her degree and efforts to bring a cultural and educational focus upon Native Americans. She has been an inspiration and role model to many who have chosen to pursue higher education. Jennifer Young Bear is the first recipient of the Dr. Lita Mathews Graduate Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. She is very proud of Jennifer who is now one semester from graduation and is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Jennifer Young Bear is a Jingle Dress dancer from New Town, North Dakota.

The expenses related to her recovery are very high. At this time she asks that if anyone would like to assist with the cost of her recovery to please purchase either her book (A Powwow Summer Across North America) or the audio book of the same title.

The Doctors continue to evaluate Lita to see if she is a candidate for treatment. There are many factors to be considered before such an evasive treatment is begun. If and when the treatments begin they will last for approximately one year.

We thank everyone for the many get well wishes and concern. This is the most difficult time in not only Lita's life but for Derek and Melonie as well. While at home in Albuquerque, we will continue to make plans for the 2009 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are looking forward to seeing all of you then.