June 27, 2010: Four Weeks Since the Transplant: It has now been four weeks since Dr. Lita Mathews underwent surgery to receive the living donor liver transplant from Beverly Singer. In the process Lita received sixty percent, or the larger lobe of the liver. The transplant was a phenom in and on to itself. It was reported by Dr. Mulligan, the operating surgeon that as soon as the liver was placed into Lita, that it began working immediately. Since that time Dr. Lita's recovery has been remarkable. Within just a few hours after the surgery, the nursing staff at the Mayo Clinic had her up and beginning to walk. Each day, while remaining in the hospital her strength and movements rapidly returned.

Just a couple of days before being released from the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Lita received instructions from the occupational therapy department as to how to begin exercising and movements which would safely return her to complete and full strength. She also met with Jackie, the Transplant Coordinator. Jackie went over the new medications which Lita would be taking to prevent rejection and infections. It was amazing for Lita and her family to learn that after four months past the transplant, she would be taking very few medications... It was just a few minutes before leaving the hospital for the first time since the liver transplant that Lita, Derek and Melonie were escorted to a location in the hospital to take a look at Lita's old liver. What they saw was a lesson in what liver disease looks like. The liver was presented on a tray. It had been sliced into sections to see the insides where the scarring was. The outside of the liver showed the bumpy surface which was the actual cirrhosis. Please keep in mind, Dr; Lita developed all of this problem from a bad blood transfusion over 30 years ago. However cirrhosis and liver disease can come from many other sources. That being abuse of alcohol, and drugs, along with tattoos and body piercing. It is the popularity of the tattoos and body piercing which is expected to increase the number of people with liver disease in the future.

Upon Immediate release from the hospital (just six days after transplant Lita and her family, Derek and Melonie took up a temporary residence adjacent to the Mayo Clinic campus Phoenix, where here out patient recovery program began. Lita returned to the hospital twice each week to visit with doctors to mark her progress. The schedule for the out patient doctor visits were through the second week of July. So with that as a framework for the first portion of the summer, Melonie has took charge of the disbursement schedule of the medications and nutritional diet requirements, while Derek made his focus her physical recovery. This included a daily exercise program and strength building.

On the morning of June 24th, Lita along with her family, entered the Mayo Clinic - Specialty Building for her bi-weekly exam. It began at 7:05 a.m. with the blood tests, the followed by meetings and examinations with the Post Liver Transplant Coordinator and two doctors. It was near the end of the morning exams with the second and final doctor, when she looked up at Lita mentioned to her that this was day 28 after the transplant and her recovery, with no complications was going so well, that they were releasing her to go home. This news was fantastic, and really too the family by surprise. On Saturday May 26th Dr. Lita Mathews and her family returned home to Albuquerque. Lita, while at home must continue the recovery program as it was developed while at the Mayo Clinic and get routine blood tests once each week. Over the next few days and weeks the number of medications that lit is required to take will be scaled back . After just a few months Lita's required daily required medication will be reduced to just one. Lita will return to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix four months from the date of the transplant for a check-up, and once per year there after.

To the contrary of some who have been heard to say that Dr. Lita Mathews has an incurable disease, the doctors and the transplant coordinators have informed the family that she is cured and is now healthy. This is not to say that there are not various health risks to be concerned with which are related to keeping her new liver safe and healthy. But most can be prevented. They have told Lita that within four to six months she should be able to resume the lifestyle she enjoys. That includes returning to the pow wow arena as an active and competitive Traditional Buckskin Dancer.

The success and progress of the living donor transplant for Dr. Lita Mathews must be attributed to the family-team approach, her spiritual faith, along with the traditional Native medicines and doctoring, and the wonders of modern western medicine. Due credit must go to the spiritual counseling from friends and the healing Powers and counseling from some very special people from Santa Clara and San Juan Pueblo, along with Albino Garcia (Jr.) and Leonard Crow Dog, for their traditional doctoring practices and counseling which gave the family the strength to make it through the ordeal. The medical team at the Mayo Clinic are the best in the World. It was there determination and confidence which made it happen. Dr. Mulligan, the surgeon who performed the transplant operation is a great man. His steady hands along with his operating room assistants and the great spirits watching and guiding his hands brought Lita and her family through this difficult time and have given her the ability to look forward to a longer and healthy life.

The greatest of all thanks goes to Dr. Beverly Singer, for the gracious gift of her liver to Lita.

The family continues to thank the thousands of people around the world for their prayers, get well wishes, and financial assistance. Dr. Lita Mathews recovery will be on going for several months to come and continues to need your prayers and financial help, as the hospital bills begin to arrive.

May 29, 2010: Dr. Lita Receives Liver Transplant:
This single entry by Derek Mathews:
Yesterday, May 28, 2010  was a huge day for us. It began at 5:00 a.m. with a prayer ceremony just outside our hotel at the Mayo Clinic. Following that, we (Lita, her donor, Melonie, Me, and 3 other people) walked about a third of a mile to the doors of the Mayo Clinic Hospital. On the way there we stopped to observe and take in the blessing from a beautiful sunrise. The two of them checked in to the hospital at 5:30 am. They were then taken to be prepped for surgery. The donor was first into surgery. Her surgery began at 7:30 a.m. The donor liver was out, and they had begun to remove Lita's old liver at just a few minutes before 10:30 a.m. The next word came at about 11:06 a.m. that the donor liver had been placed into Lita and responded and was working right away. It was not until after 4:00 p.m. when the head surgeon came into the waiting room to thell us that the transplant was complete and all had all went very well. His final words as he left was this was a miracle.

Now the healing begins. Lita will remain in the hospital for about another week. Then she will return to stay with Melonie and me in the hotel just outside the doors of the Mayo Clinic. She will have to return to the hospital twice each week for outpatient visits for about four to five weeks.

May 28, 2010 will always be a special day in our lives. It is the day that Beverly Singer gave the ultimate gift to Dr. Lita Mathews. That being another chance at life. The doctors expect a complete recovery and she should be able to return to the lifestyle she loves with in the next few months. There wiil be a few bumps in the road ahead, but they are to be expected.

We just want to say thank you for all the prayers and assistance given from the tens of thousands of people who have shown their support from the beginning. All my relations. Photo: Beverly Singer and Dr. Lita Mathews taken just moments before checking in at the Mayo Clinic to begin the living donor liver transplant)

May 4, 2010: 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.

March 29, 2010
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.

THURSDAY FEB. 18, 2010 UPDATE: This morning the Mayo Clinic called the Mathews family with the good news that Dr. Lita Mathews has been approved for the transplant. They now have recommended that all of her potential donors call the Mayo Clinic to begin the screening process. If all goes well with her donors, the transplant could take place in earl May. If there are any others with the O+ blood type who would like to be considered to become here liver transplant donor, please email to getwelldrlita@gatheringofnations.com  as soon as possible.

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.December 5, 2009: Dr. Lita Mathews completes treatment for Hep C.
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.

October 9, 2009: 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.

September 3, 2009: 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.

Update 8/1/09: It is now mid-summer, August 1st and Dr. Lita Mathews is counting down the weeks to the end of the treatments. The last day of the treatments will be December 1. At this point in the treatments, the doctor and his staff remain very impressed with how well she has handled this tough ordeal.

Lita's weekly blood tests continue to show improvement and the liver is healing. Her diet and weight is important to keeping her healthy as she moves through the later weeks. Derek has really been focusing in on the proper and healthy type of foods for Lita's diet. The doctor recommend to minimize red meats, while eating high levels of protein rich foods. Fruit, melons, and dark green veggies are the best.

With the looming deadly Swine Flue Virus closing in, The doctor has recommended and is now giving Lita another weekly injection. This medication is to boost her immune system so that she can resist infections and the flu. Because of the new medication and it's added side effects, Derek, Lita, & Melonie have had to modify their travel through the remainder of the summer. Lita tires easily in the extreme heat and exhaustion could become the catalyst to lowering her immune levels and thus she could become very sick. It has been an interesting summer for them all. It is also expected that when the Swine Flue vaccine becomes available, she will be at the head of the line to receive it.

As the fall approaches they will have to make sure that Lita avoids crowds, sick people, hand shakes and hugs. When the treatments conclude in December, Dr. Lita will have several months of recovery. It is expected that by the 2010 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in April, she will be near to full strength. She will be ready to go and excited about her return to the arena to dance. Her women's Buckskin - Stationary special contest will make the way for her re-entry. 1st place in the contest will be $2,000.00 along with other prizes. The contest is presented as a thank you to the many people throughout this time who have sent their prayers and get well wishes.

In particular Lita wants to say thank you to the many traditional dancers who have been there for her with words of encouragement. Even more, this has become the way Lita and Derek have chosen to place focus on this very deadly disease, Hepatitis C. It is a silent killer and is believed that many Native people may have Hep C and either are living with it silently and not seeking treatment, or do not even know that they have it.

Update 6/19/09: 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.

Update 5/9/09: 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.

 Update 3/23/09: Dr. Lita has now completed six months of treatment for Hep C. From all who have attempted or is familiar with the treatment, have been impressed with how well she has been doing. To date the side effects continue to be minimal. Current blood test have shown that there are improvements in all areas. The virus has been reduced to below the negative level and remains so. Her liver is showing much improvement and function. The family truly believes that the Native medicine and all it's procedures, along with the many prayers and well wishes from so many people have contributed to her success thus far. Derek and Melonie believe that the spirits have been her guardians and have transferred many of the side effects to them. They have experienced many of the side effects which are typical of the Hep C treatment, such as body aches and all the flue like symptoms. However they both have expressed that it is worth it in order to get Dr. Lita through it successfully. The family want to express extreme gratitude to "Jr" Albeno Garcia lll for all that he has done spiritually to heal Lita's liver and to rid the virus from her body. And also to Luci Yates, the nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital who has been giving her the weekly injections. Lucy has become a family friend and councilor.

Dr. Lita wants to encourage all who attend the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow to stop by the UNM Hep C booth in the tent to learn more about this disease. Those who have tattoos on their bodies are at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis C. She invites everyone who reads this to please come to the 2009 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. She believes that the Gathering is also part of her recovery, and everyone who attends plays an important part.

Update 2/20/09: Dr. Lita is doing very well. Now over four months into the treatment for Hep C, she continues to experience few and not too severe side effects. The head and body aches seem to be the primary side effects.

She has been working everyday at her desk in the Gathering of Nations office, working on the 2009 program book. Each year the Gathering of Nations Program book is published with her guidance and supervision.

Lita is looking forward to this year's Pow Wow as it marks one year since being hospitalized. It will be a corner turned as she looks forward to recovery and returning to the arena as a traditional dancer.

When at the Gathering of Nations, be sure to visit the University of New Mexico Hospital HEP C booth in the tent at the south end.

Update 1/17/09: 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.

Update 12/21/08: 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.

Update 11/11/08: 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.

Update 10/22/08: Lita began the medical treatments to fight and rid the Hepatitis C from her body. The days of waiting and preparation to begin the treatments were long and tense. Prior to starting the treatment she was given a pneumonia shot as well as the current flu shot. As she was told these are precautionary measures as the treatment will attack the white blood cells as it fights the virus. This leaves her vulnerable to catching colds and the flu.

The treatment consist of two medications. The first is called Pegasys (Interferon)
This medication is intended to reduce the amount of Hepatitis C in the body. One injection weekly is required. The second medication is called Copegus (Ribavirin). This medication is taken every day in pill form. It's job is to stop the Hepatitis C virus from spreading or multiplying. Together Pegasys and Copegus help get rid of the infected cells and keep healthy cells from becoming infected. Thus allowing the liver to begin repair.

Since Dr. Lita began the treatments, three weeks ago, she has had only minor side effects to the medication. Her most recent blood tests indicated that the treatments are going well. They even showed that there was some improvement in her liver function. The Mathews family was very pleased with the results of the test, while realizing that Lita still has a long way to recovery. The total time of the treatments is 48 weeks. During that time her travel will remain near non existent.

Spiritually Dr. Lita is doing real well. She and her family have also have gone to the Sun-dance in Ft Hall this past summer. And just a couple of weeks ago a sweat and Lakota style tobacco ceremony was held, in Albuquerque, in her honor. It was requested and sponsored by Becky Taylor of Hayward, Wisconsin. Many friends and family were in attendance.

The Family thanks Becky along with all the people who continue to pray for her recovery. They are so deeply humbled.

Update 9/27/08: 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.

Update 8/2/08: Dr. Lita is doing exceptionally well. She and her family would like to thank the many well-wishers for their concern and prayers. Even though she is doing better at this time, there remains a long and what could be a rough road to recovery.

Since being released form the hospital on April 24th, Lita has had numerous checkups consisting of blood tests and a CT scan. At each examination, Dr. Lita has shown a near miraculous recovery. It has been through these many exams that it has been determined by medical staffs at both Presbyterian Hospital and The University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque that her recovery treatments will begin in mid-September and are expected to last about a year. The treatment will be administered by the UNMH staff and supervised by one of the Worlds leading physicians in the field.

At Dr. Lita's last medical exam, she was told that she could begin to travel again and prepare to dance, if she chose to. The next day after that exam, Lita and Derek traveled to Fort Hall, Idaho to attend the Sundance. It was there that Dr. Lita was taken into the circle to receive a special blessing from the sun dancers. Roseann Abrahamson and her family hosted the Mathews. Roseann not only made way for Dr. Lita to receive this blessing, but she included her in many of the family activities outside and away from the arbor. These activities included the gathering of many of the natural elements and plant life which the dancers needed to sustain themselves. For Lita this brought back memories of when she was a young girl and assisted her grandmother who used many natural plants for medicinal and spiritual purposes throughout Northern New Mexico. Lita is very grateful for the opportunity to have attended. The power of the prayers and the blessing will assist to give her the strength and courage to go forward.

Until the treatments begin, Dr. Lita, Derek, and Melonie will be on the powwow trail attending powwows. Lita hopes to dance and is the Head Lady Dancer the second weekend in September at the Sycuan Pow wow. She is hoping that many of you can attend. When the treatments begin, her travels will nearly stop for that time. However the doctors believe that after the treatments are completed, Lita will once again be strong and healthy.

Dr. Lita Mathews at home recovering: 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.