Every pop-punk kid's dream has finally come true — Jack's Mannequin is reuniting for a short tour to honor the 10-year anniversary of "Everything In Transit." When I heard the news, my heart nearly exploded.
Anyone who knows me knows how big of an inspiration leader singer Andrew McMahon is to me. I grew up on Jack's Mannequin (and Something Corporate and am continuing to grow with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness) so for me to finally hear "Everything In Transit" live is somewhat of a Christmas miracle. (Well, a less-than-ideal Christmas miracle because the closest date to me is a five hour drive, but it'll definitely be worth it).
I've looked up to Andrew McMahon for many years, for a trillion different reasons. This man is so passionate in what he does. He's never given up, even when life gave him a reason to.
In June of 2005, Andrew was diagnosed with leukemia. At 22, we're graduating college, we're supposed to be figuring out what we want to do and exploring the world. We're not supposed to be sitting in a hospital room with IV tubes stuck in us.
Just before Andrew's diagnosis, Jack's Mannequin finished recording their debut album, "Everything in Transit." On Aug. 23, 2005, the same day "Everything in Transit" dropped, Andrew received a stem-cell transplant from his sister Kate that thankfully saved his life.
After this, Andrew set out to raise awareness and show support for the younger population of cancer patients. As a result, Andrew founded The Dear Jack Foundation (DJF). DJF's website explains its operation: "The Dear Jack Foundation supports organizations which recognize the unique challenges the AYA (adolescent and young adult) community faces, during and post-treatment.
Through outreach, collaboration, and focused initiatives, DJF works to create more positive health outcomes and improved quality of life for all young adults in this fight."
The DJF's goal is to raise $72,000, one dollar for every AYA diagnosed with cancer this year, by Dec. 31. It’s called the 72k Challenge. In addition to this challenge, Andrew has partnered with and an organization called The Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) on his most recent tour with New Politics. LHSF has had a booth at every show that allows people to "get on the list" to become possible bone marrow donors for cancer patients.
Andrew McMahon is one of the most selfless people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He uses his platform for a purpose, he uses it to promote DJF, and to teach people to never give up on their dreams — no matter what life throws in their way.
I had the honor of meeting Andrew at Thrival Innovation + Music Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this year. His show and getting to meet him were by far some of the best experiences I've ever had at a festival.
He'd just gotten off the stage after an incredible performance and was so kind, so genuine. I can't even begin to thank this man enough for how much his perseverance and dedication has inspired me.
So here's to you, Andrew McMahon. Thank you for being you. Thank you for never giving up. You've inspired me to live a selfless life. You've encouraged me to live in the moment and to appreciate everything that I've got.
You've encouraged me to keep swimming.
