In the spring of 2005, Andrew McMahon and his band Jack’s Mannequin embarked on their first U.S. headlining tour. However, before completing the tour, Andrew paid a visit to his voice doctor in New York City because he became concerned about his health. The following morning, Andrew was admitted to the hospital because the results of his blood work were alarming. Ultimately, everyone’s worst fears were confirmed: Andrew had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).
Throughout the summer of 2005, Andrew underwent two rounds of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and, with a stroke of good luck, a successful stem cell transplant from his sister. During his battle with ALL, it became clear to Andrew that in a generation where cancer has become the second largest cause of death in the US and the biggest public action item relevant to health, there were still major shortfalls in treatment, support, and research on behalf of the young adult demographic.
In an effort to initiate change and provide a voice for the generations of young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer, Andrew founded the Dear Jack Foundation in July of 2006.
On Monday, November 11th at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, the 4th Annual Dear Jack Foundation Benefit show was held and Love Hope Strength was on hand to help others find a lifesaving match to allow them to successfully beat Leukemia and other blood cancers. The benefit was the first time that Andrew McMahon did an entirely solo performance in the United States.
Love Hope Strength is grateful to have had the support of Andrew during his summer tour with O.A.R. and again at Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas in 2013.
To learn more about The Dear Jack Foundation go to http://www.dearjackfoundation.com/foundation/