Owosso physician shares leukemia treatment story to urge blood donations
Memorial Healthcare says Dr. David Huff, a primary care physician being treated for a returned blood cancer, is speaking publicly about the transfusions keeping him alive.
A primary care physician at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso is sharing his cancer diagnosis publicly in an effort to encourage blood donations, the hospital said in an Aug. 3 announcement.
According to Memorial Healthcare, Dr. David Huff was diagnosed in 2012 with hairy cell leukemia, described by the hospital as a rare, slow-growing blood cancer that occurs when the bone marrow makes too many abnormal white blood cells. He was in remission for many years, but the hospital said his leukemia returned in late 2025. He is now receiving treatment, including blood transfusions, at the Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center.
"The blood transfusions I receive at the Memorial Healthcare Cancer Center allow me to stay alive," Huff said in the announcement. "Without blood donations, I wouldn't be able to keep living."
The hospital said many leukemia patients need blood and platelet transfusions during treatment to help address anemia, infection risk and other complications tied to both the disease and its treatment. It said the American Red Cross collects and distributes blood products used by hospitals and cancer centers, that a single donation can help multiple patients, and that keeping an adequate supply depends on eligible donors giving regularly.
"I am so thankful to the people who give blood," Huff said. "It only takes a small amount of time to give and save a life."
Memorial Healthcare said Huff and his family are grateful for the care from the Cancer Center team and for support from friends, colleagues, patients and community members. The hospital said donated blood also supports people recovering from surgery or traumatic injuries and those living with chronic illnesses that require transfusions.
What happens next
The Memorial Healthcare Auxiliary hosts several blood drives on the hospital's main campus at 826 W. King St. in Owosso in partnership with the American Red Cross. The announcement listed the next drive as Friday, Aug. 7, which has since passed. The hospital directs people who want to schedule a donation to redcrossblood.org.
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