Tulsa Mourns Cancer Advocate Shagah Zakerion
Community leaders honor the longtime advocate and Tulsa Film Collective co-founder after her death from blood cancer.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cancer
Tulsa community leaders are remembering Shagah Zakerion, a longtime cancer advocate and co-founder of the Tulsa Film Collective, who died over the weekend. Her family confirmed she died after battling blood cancer.
Why it matters
Zakerion's death removes a prominent local voice for cancer patients and a founder of the city's independent film community. Tributes from the Tulsa Regional Chamber and Magic City Books reflect the reach of her work across civic and cultural life in Tulsa.
Zakerion was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome as a teenager and underwent bone marrow transplants, navigating her cancer journey for more than two decades. The available reporting does not detail the specific treatments or outcomes beyond the transplants and an experimental clinical trial in New York City.
The players
Shagah Zakerion
A Tulsa cancer advocate and community leader who co-founded the Tulsa Film Collective and led TYPROS, the Tulsa Young Professionals organization.
Tulsa Film Collective
A Tulsa-based filmmaking organization co-founded by Zakerion and filmmaker Sterlin Harjo.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society, which named Zakerion a Lights of Hope honoree.
The details
Zakerion previously served as executive director of TYPROS, the Tulsa Young Professionals organization, and co-founded the Tulsa Film Collective with filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. Earlier in 2026, she was named a Lights of Hope honoree by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and her family accepted the honor at an Oklahoma City event in August.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: Named a Lights of Hope honoree by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
August 2026: Family accepted the Lights of Hope honor at an Oklahoma City event.
Weekend before November 3, 2026: Zakerion died.
Big Picture
Zakerion's recognition as a Lights of Hope honoree by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network placed her Tulsa advocacy within that national cancer-advocacy honor program. Her death came months after that recognition, which her family accepted in Oklahoma City.
For patients and families navigating blood cancers such as myelodysplastic syndrome, Zakerion's story highlights the long course of treatment, including repeated bone marrow transplants and participation in experimental clinical trials. Local advocacy organizations and cancer-support networks remain resources for those facing similar diagnoses.
The takeaway
Zakerion's two decades of navigating cancer show how sustained advocacy and clinical participation can shape a life beyond diagnosis. Her work across civic and creative communities in Tulsa offers a model of engagement for those affected by blood cancers.
Further reading
For more on the disease behind this loss, see Cancer coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News On 6.
