Dear Jack Foundation Information

The Dear Jack Foundation provides impactful programming that directly benefits adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer in order to improve quality of life and create positive health outcomes from treatment to survivorship for patients and their families. Through our programs and strategic partnerships, we address the physical and emotional needs of AYA cancer patients and survivors. Our one-on-one patient outreach and peer-to-peer group wellness programs allow us to empower patients and survivors in their healing and provide assurance that they are not alone in their cancer journey. Our Story 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 due to a growing number of health concerns. The results from the blood work that came back the following morning were alarming and Andrew was quickly admitted to New York Presbyterian Hospital. 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.