Documentary chronicles Something Corporate's McMahon's battle with leukemia

By Amanda Seef
NEWS EDITOR

Something Corporate front man, Jack’s Mannequin mastermind, leukemia patient — three ways to describe Andrew McMahon. Dear Jack: The Journey of Andrew McMahon chronicles the struggles of releasing Everything in Transit, his first solo album, while being treated for leukemia and putting into perspective what he has learned about the world and his life.

“My name is Andrew McMahon and I am 22 years old,” he said. “I play for two bands — one called Something Corporate, one called Jack’s Mannequin. And I am now, officially, a leukemia patient.”

In May 2005, McMahon was forced to cancel his summer tour after what seemed to be a case of laryngitis. After rigorous medical examinations, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and admitted to a NYC hospital to receive treatments. Doctors seemed sure of his recovery as McMahon battled the form of blood cancer.

As his album debuted Aug. 23, 2005, McMahon received the first stem cell transplants from his sister, Katie. By mid-2006, McMahon had recuperated and was touring with Of A Revolution, stopping in Rochester. He also created the Dear Jack Foundation, to raise funds and awareness for leukemia.

Tommy Lee, a good friend of McMahon, narrates a film that is composed of self-shot footage by McMahon.
“For the first time in my life, my first priority is not music,” McMahon said. “I have drugs being injected into my spine, it’s getting harder in here. I just wait every day to get the results of my blood work and continue to be disappointed.”

The gripping shots of McMahon’s hair falling out, and the needles being injected into his spine gives the viewer a look at the life of a leukemia patient.

The documentary, named after the foundation, was expected to be released in April 2008, though the release is now tentative.

McMahon is now working on the sophomore Jack’s Mannequin album, named The Glass Passenger, which is slated to be released June 3, 2008.

McMahon’s other band, Something Corporate, has been on hiatus for a couple of years, though the members are hoping to reunite and perform a tour for fans.

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Documentary covers Something Corporate's McMahon's battle with leukemia

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