69-year-old Durham woman becomes advocate for organ donation after surviving rare liver disease

A 69-year-old Durham woman was named a "Humana Game Changer" after surviving a rare liver disease and becoming an advocate for organ donation.

Yvette Matthews has been active and physically fit for most of her life.

"I like being outside," she said.

Since childhood, Matthews has competed in many sports including basketball, softball and skating.

In 1997, an annual physical revealed she had a rare liver disease called "primary sclerosing cholangitis."

"The doctor told me I need to get a liver transplant in 10 years, or I would die," Matthews said.

She needed a matching liver donor. As she waited, Matthews ended up on disability.

"In 2013, which is 12 years after the diagnosis, I received the liver transplant," she said.

After recovery, she began a new exercise regimen that included power walking, and eventually she began running.

"Every day I added a little bit more, a little bit more, a little bit more," explained Matthews.

Now at age 69 she’s been training for the 2023 National Senior Games. For her inspirational influence and impact, Matthews has been named a "Humana Game Changer." It’s also her opportunity to lift up her personal cause for organ donation.

"If you’re a healthy person or even not a healthy person, they can use your organs. They can use your skin, they can use your cornea. Just sign up and be an organ donor and let the doctors decide," Matthews said.

As she prepares for the National Senior Games, Matthews still feels young and with no plans to slow down.

"I’ve only been doing track and field events for 10 years and I feel like I have another 20-to-30 years that I can still participate. And I’m going to be one of those people, I’m going to be doing this until I’m in my 90s."

This year, 11,000 athletes will compete in the National Senior Games. Matthews plans to compete in the 100-meter run, the 1,500-meter speed walk and the long jump.

The 2023 National Senior Games will take place from July 7 until July 18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.