SeaTac Resident Finds Comfort and Care Close to Home at St. Anne Cancer Center

Shirley Gile is a firm believer that attitude is everything. Her positive outlook in life keeps her going each day.

“Most people in life forget to count their blessings. Be grateful for where you’re at in this world,” she says.

The 79-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer last spring, following a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Gile was referred to the St. Anne Cancer Center and soon met medical director for oncology, Manoj Agarwal, MD. From the start, Dr. Agarwal and the entire cancer care team made Gile feel at home and cared for.

"I can't express how impressed I am with the service and, more importantly, the security of knowing I'm in good hands," she says.

Gile remembers sitting in the waiting room one day for her appointment. Dr. Agarwal sat right next to her as if he was a close friend. “How often do you get that?” she shared.

Gile was a longtime Burien resident, but currently lives in SeaTac, just a few miles away from St. Anne Hospital. As a retired revenue officer, Gile has served others in the community by providing them with transportation to where they most need to go–from the grocery store to doctor’s appointments.

Over the years, she has even driven others to receive cancer care in downtown Seattle. As she has embarked on her own treatment journey, she is grateful she does not have to travel more than a few blocks to receive top-tier care from the region's leading experts at St. Anne Cancer Center.

The St. Anne Cancer Center, established in 2013, offers comprehensive cancer care including prevention and screening, cancer surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, support services and more.

As Gile continues her battle with lung cancer, she knows her positive attitude, support from her care team, and the joy she receives from helping others will keep her going.