When the spotlight turns off at the end of a concert, most musicians trust that they'll get another chance to step back in. For Andrew McMahon of the bands Jack's Mannequin and Something Corporate, that reality became questionable in 2005 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. Andrew quickly began treatment, all the while documenting the ordeal with a video camera. The powerful footage along with touching interviews with friends and family has been gathered and is now available in the much-anticipated film Dear Jack. 

The film recently screened in select cities including a fitting showing for those close to Andrew at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to attend the screening and share in the experience with many of those who had battled alongside Andrew. It was surreal sitting behind Andrew and his family, knowing that they were personally connected to the fight for life I was seeing on screen. It was a raw look at his battle with the disease, but also a hopeful look at the power of family and music.

The following day, I saw Andrew take over the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood, marking the end of his solo tour across the country. The intimate performance highlighted music spanning from his older ballads as the lead to Something Corporate (including a magnetic performance of Walking By) to his more recent pieces as Jack's Mannequin. After the show, at the historic venue’s upstairs loft where friends and family gathered, I had a brief conversation with Andrew’s father where I let him know that seeing all the kids sing along to his son’s music that night was a true testament to how far they have come.

Now in remission, Andrew has become a strong advocate for cancer awareness.  He’s a celebrity ambassador for Stand Up to Cancer and his charity, the Dear Jack Foundation, strives to raise money for research and to help other organizations with the highest potential for impact.

The Dear Jack DVD is available in stores, on the Jack’s Mannequin website www.jacksmannequin.com and by iTunes digital download.  Proceeds from Andrew’s shows as well as from his DVD sales will go to benefit the foundation.

To learn more about the Dear Jack Foundation, click here.

Cody Cheshier, Editorial Staff