Here’s a bold truth: Jenny Dowell, former mayor of Lismore, is facing the end of her life with remarkable clarity and courage. But here’s where it gets controversial—she’s chosen voluntary assisted dying (VAD) as her path forward, a decision that sparks both admiration and debate. If you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen her story unfold, but there’s so much more to uncover.
Last Thursday, I sat with Jenny on the veranda of her Goonellabah home, surrounded by a lush backyard that seemed to mirror her resilience. Overlooking the greenery, she shared her journey in a deeply personal Talking Lismore podcast episode (https://talkinglismore.buzzsprout.com/). From her breast cancer diagnosis just four days after becoming Lismore’s mayor in 2008 to her recent terminal cancer diagnosis, Jenny’s story is one of strength, reflection, and hard choices.
Seventeen years after beating breast cancer, Jenny thought she was in the clear. “I had 17 years of blissful ignorance,” she recalls, unaware that undetectable cancer cells had silently spread to her spine and pelvis. That illusion shattered last May after a bushwalk in Mount Kaputar, when a back injury led to scans revealing incurable cancer. “It hit me like a ton of bricks,” she admits.
Initially, Jenny tried a new hormone-blocking treatment, but the side effects were brutal—nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and a complete loss of appetite. “I was barely functioning,” she says. Faced with a prognosis of just six to twelve months, she made a bold choice: quality of life over quantity. And this is the part most people miss—her decision to stop treatment and pursue VAD wasn’t about giving up; it was about reclaiming control.
Jenny has since applied for VAD under New South Wales legislation, a process requiring two independent medical assessments. She’s candid about the options: doctor-administered medication for a quicker end but with a doctor present, or self-administered medication, which requires physical ability. She’s leaning toward the latter, valuing privacy with her family in her final moments.
Speaking of family, Jenny’s husband Ron and their two adult children have been her rock. “We’re very open,” she says. “Nothing’s off limits.” Their unwavering support has been key to her peace, though she acknowledges not everyone is so fortunate. Here’s a thought-provoking question: How would your loved ones react if you made a similar choice?
At 75, Jenny isn’t just planning her end—she’s living it with gratitude. She’s written her eulogy, gifted cherished belongings, and even practices daily mindfulness to stay grounded. “Five things I can see, four things I can hear, three things I can feel…” she explains, a ritual that keeps her present. When asked how she wants to be remembered, her answer is simple yet profound: “That I cared… that I always had time to listen.”
Jenny’s story isn’t just about dying; it’s about living fully until the end. Her 30-minute interview on Talking Lismore (https://talkinglismore.buzzsprout.com/) dives deeper into her emotions, choices, and legacy. Some may find it confronting, and others may disagree with her decisions, but one thing is undeniable: her courage to share her journey is a gift to us all. What’s your take? Do you admire her choice, or does it challenge your beliefs? Let’s discuss in the comments.
