August 20, 2026 | By Atrium Health Foundation | In Grateful Patients
For several years, while receiving care in Myrtle Beach, Dave Dougan watched his blood counts steadily decline without a clear explanation. He began tracking his own lab results, concerned that something more serious was going on.
“I asked the hematologist if I had leukemia,” Dave recalled. “He assured me I didn’t.”
By early 2025, Dave’s hemoglobin had dropped significantly, prompting further treatment, including monthly iron infusions. But despite the infusions, his numbers continued to decline.
Meanwhile, Dave and his wife, Jessica, were spending more time at their second home about an hour south of Charlotte while making trips to Myrtle Beach for his infusions. A conversation at a Carolina Panthers game led Dave to consider receiving his infusions at Atrium Health — a decision that would change the course of his care journey.
Dave transferred his care to Atrium Health Levine Cancer and requested a hematologist who specialized in oncology. He was seen by Dr. Srinivasa Sanikommu, and the difference was immediate. “When my wife and I first met Dr. Sanikommu, we knew we had made the right decision,” Dave said.
Dave and Jessica still believed they were dealing with iron deficiency anemia. But his new care team quickly began looking deeper.
After his first appointment in December 2025, Dave traveled to Myrtle Beach because his mother had become critically ill. On the drive home, Dr. Sanikommu called to share concerns about Dave’s lab results and told him he needed to schedule a biopsy as soon as possible. Dave’s mother passed away the following evening.
“That was honestly the worst weekend of my life,” he shared.
The following week, Dave underwent a biopsy, then learned on Christmas Eve that he had myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML), a high-risk blood cancer. Even amid the gravity of the news, Dave remembers how Dr. Sanikommu continued to support him and his family, calling that evening to discuss the diagnosis and provide clear instructions in case Dave’s health worsened over the holiday weekend.
“All of us were amazed that he would take the time to do that,” Dave said.
As Dave’s treatment intensified, so did his time at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. He quickly realized that the compassion he received from Dr. Sanikommu extended to every member of his care team.
That dedication left a lasting impression on Dave and Jessica, inspiring them to give back. They decided to support cancer research and the people providing cancer care at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Charlotte.
“It’s not about my outcome; it’s about everyone who has cancer,” Dave said. “We all need to do what we can to support both cancer research and staff.”
For Dave, that commitment has also taken on meaning through the Keep Pounding 5K, which brings together patient families, caregivers, and supporters to raise funds for cancer care and research at Atrium Health.
“Sam Mills had it right,” Dave said. “We simply need to Keep Pounding. We need to Keep Pounding for a cure. We need to Keep Pounding for ourselves. We need to Keep Pounding for others.”
Dave believes strongly in the power of supporting research, even as he faces an uncertain future himself. “I have no idea what my outcome will be,” he reflected.
Right now, he focuses on spending time with family and friends, continuing to work, and enjoying the things that matter to him, including attending Panthers games when his blood counts allow, working in the yard, getting out on his boat, and hoping to return to the golf course to help his nephew learn the sport.
And through it all, he remains grateful for the people who have cared for him.
“I plan to work to support cancer research and everyone at Levine Cancer Institute as long as I can,” Dave shared. “I cannot thank them enough for the difference that they made in our lives and the lives of others.”
On Sunday, September 27, the Greater Charlotte community is invited to join Dave and others who have been impacted by cancer by registering for the 16th Annual Keep Pounding 5K, presented by Rodgers Builders, Inc., and helping advance cancer care for patients and families.