By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee411.com
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. A benefit dinner and auction will be held next month to help Cherokee National Treasure David Comingdeer, a Cherokee Nation citizen, and his family with the mounting costs of a medical crisis that resulted in a double above-ankle amputation.
The event is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Tahlequah Community Building, 908 S. College Ave. A $10 bean dinner, including beans, dessert and a drink, begins the evening, followed by a live auction at 6 p.m. and a 50/50 raffle at 7 p.m.
Comingdeer suffered a severe medical emergency caused by sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, while traveling for work. He endured 45 days of hospitalizations, intense medical treatment and life-changing surgery, according to organizers.
Organizers describe Comingdeer as a dedicated community builder known across tribal communities for bringing people together through stickball and stomp dance and for his support of traditional artists. The benefit’s organizers said his resilience, humor and spirit have not wavered through the ordeal, and they are asking the community to help him navigate the next steps of his recovery.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to Comingdeer and his family to help cover overwhelming expenses, including medical bills and prosthetics, extended physical therapy and mobility adaptation, and out-of-state travel, lodging and living expenses tied to his recovery and time away from work.
The benefit is organized by Haydn Jackson, Dakota Andrew Jackson and Nikiah Comingdeer.
Those wishing to donate or with questions about the event can contact Dakota Jackson at 918-348-2214, Nikiah Comingdeer at 918-575-5187, Haydn Jackson at 918-718-4310, Shelly Smith at 918-457-8102 or Shelly Gibson at 918-822-4080.
Wado.
Cara Cowan Watts is a journalist for Cherokee411.com, an independent media company serving all three Cherokee Tribal Nations and Cherokees wherever they live.
Sources:
Facebook event, Benefit Dinner & Auction for David Comingdeer.
Event flyer provided by organizers Haydn Jackson, Dakota Andrew Jackson and Nikiah Comingdeer.
