A life shaped by
courage and curiosity.

Janet McDowell lives in Selah, Washington. Shortly after her 61st birthday, she was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia—an unexpected beginning to years of treatment, setbacks, and recovery that would test her body, her relationships, and her understanding of courage.

Her journey included an unrelated-donor stem cell transplant and complications that brought her close to death. It also taught her the power of community, the grace required to receive help, and the importance of finding meaning beyond survival.

In Chasing a Light in the Darkness, Janet offers an honest account of that journey. She wrote it for people facing difficult seasons and for the families and caregivers walking beside them.

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Beyond the page

Janet’s life is also defined by curiosity and connection. She is a philanthropist, photographer, world traveler, animal lover, and someone happiest outdoors.

Invite Janet to speak →