TULSA, Okla. — Shagah Zakerion, a cancer patient in Tulsa, is facing a frightening reality: delays in receiving the blood transfusions she needs to survive due to a nationwide blood shortage. Zakerion, who has myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer she’s battled since her teenage years, relies on regular transfusions to manage the debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
“If I don’t obtain the platelets, if I don’t get the blood cells, I start to observe very dangerous effects on my body,” Zakerion said. She receives transfusions three days a week, a process she describes as her “lifeline.” She estimates she’s received over 200, possibly 300, infusions of donor cells throughout her treatment.
The shortage, which is impacting hospitals and blood banks across the country, has become particularly acute in recent weeks. Matt Trotter of the American Red Cross in Tulsa reported a 35% decrease in local blood supplies over the past month. He attributed the decline to winter weather causing donor turnout to drop and blood drive cancellations.
“I think people don’t understand that the need is so constant and the donor base is so slight, any change is going to upset that balance,” Trotter said.
For Zakerion, the uncertainty surrounding blood availability adds another layer of stress to an already challenging fight. “If I don’t get what I need, I could die. I mean, it’s a very real reality, it’s something I think about a lot,” she said, visibly emotional.
Zakerion, who also works as an associate and community leader in Tulsa, has been a patient advocate for nearly two decades. She previously battled cancer and has relapsed twice, receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas and St. Jude’s research hospital in Memphis, Tenn. She has dedicated herself to fundraising for St. Jude’s, inspired by the support she received during her own treatment.
Zakerion and her family have launched a campaign to encourage 100 people to become blood donors in an effort to bolster local supplies and help others facing similar medical challenges.
