5/5/2009: Cleared for the 2009 Gathering of Nations PowWow
May 5, 2009
by LeAndra Madalena
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.