Rare white blood cell cancer

“If it wasn’t for Dr. Sharma, I wouldn’t be here,” says Wilmer Shoemaker, a 68-year-old from Tafton, PA. He credits hematologist Dr. Namita Sharma for discovering his rare white blood cell cancer. “I was being treated for severe anemia, which required weekly blood transfusions. Dr. Sharma figured out that I actually have large granular lymphocytic leukemia.” With proper treatment and his dedicated team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists from Geisinger Community Medical Center in his corner, Wilmer feels better than ever. “Dr. Sharma and the entire cancer center staff have me covered. They take such good care of me. It’s almost like I don’t have to worry at all.” Instead of worrying, Wilmer focuses his energy on his granddaughter and his cottage on the edge of Lake Wallenpaupack where he spent summers with his late wife. “She’d be so proud of me,” he says, “so proud.”