Andrew McMahon discusses Dear Jack Foundation

July 20, 2015

For all of the truly terrible things in the world (disease, terrorism, Nickelback et al), it’s heartening to know that artists in our community are quick to put their time and money where their mouths are. This year's Alternative Press Music Awards is honoring these people with the Artist Philanthropic Award, presented by Sub City. Andrew McMahon of Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness is nominated for his work with the Dear Jack Foundation.

Andrew McMahon founded the Dear Jack Foundation in July 2006, having been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia the previous spring at the age of 23. Dear Jack is geared towards adolescents and young adults going through similar circumstances that McMahon faced, directly helping those who have been diagnosed with cancer or are in recovery, as well as contributing funds to stem cell research and a number of other cancer charities.

“Through research, I noticed that people in my age bracket when I was diagnosed—a demographic of 15 to 39-year-olds—had seen less of an improvement in their survival rate than any other cancer patients, so we focus our attentions on them,” McMahon says. “Every year, we award scholarships for young high school students who have survived cancer and are going on to college. Getting on the phone with them, those conversations are always really powerful, because you actually get to see that the money you’ve raised over the years is not only going to improve the life of a young adult who had cancer, but help fund their education.”