A true story of resilience
Even in darkness,
there is light.
Janet McDowell’s deeply personal memoir is an invitation to walk through illness, uncertainty, recovery—and the extraordinary strength found along the way.
Welcome
Thank you for
finding your way here.
“I wrote this book to help people going through difficult times—to show that the human body and spirit can withstand significant trauma and still lead a good life.”
Explore Janet’s story, hear her speak in her own words, and discover a memoir created for readers who need a reason to keep moving toward the light.
Meet Janet →
The memoir
Chasing a Light
in the Darkness
A story of resilience in the face of unrelenting medical challenges.
Shortly after her 61st birthday, Janet was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia. Her path included near-fatal setbacks, an unrelated-donor stem cell transplant, and the difficult work of accepting help without surrendering hope.
Awards & Recognition
Honored as a
Distinguished Author
Janet McDowell has been recognized by the International Impact Book Awards for her outstanding literary achievement.
The distinction celebrates Janet’s contribution to authorship and storytelling through Chasing a Light in the Darkness—a memoir of survival, resilience, and hope.
International Impact Book Awards · September 2026
Featured interview
“She Survived Leukemia Against the Odds”
Janet joins Ric Bratton on This Week in America to discuss survival, resilience, and the story behind the memoir.
Watch the conversation