About Us

Andrew is a 12-year leukemia survivor, pianist, frontman, and singer-songwriter. His most recent solo project is Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. His previous musical projects and bands include Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin.

This is a cause that means a great deal to Andrew. He is constantly working on opportunities to direct funding to Dear Jack Foundation (DJF) partners that fight on the front lines against adolescent and young adult cancer, provide resources to this underserved community via DJF programs, and advocate for all young adults in this fight through his music.

Why the mission of DJF is so important to Andrew: “When I was diagnosed, I learned quickly about the struggles facing young adults with cancer. Through your support, you can help us touch more lives and bring more awareness to this underserved community.”

Elisa is a Los Angeles native who started volunteering with the Dear Jack Foundation (DJF) via their partnership with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night (LTN) Walks in 2006.

She served as National Co-Captain with Mao Shiokura of the LTN DJF Teams. Elisa is a University of Southern California alumna and a Girl Scout Gold Award (equivalent to the Eagle Scout Award) recipient. Other organizations that Elisa enjoys volunteering with include The Pablove Foundation, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and Share Our Strength.

She enjoys witnessing firsthand the outpouring of generosity and support for the AYA cancer community and building camaraderie among Andrew’s fans and friends. And, in Elisa’s spare time, she can be found in the kitchen baking the most delicious cookies anyone has ever tasted.

Christine’s involvement with the Dear Jack Foundation (DJF) began in 2008 by captaining the DJF’s Friends & Family team at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light the Night Walk (LTN). Her brother, Matt, had been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and lymphoma at 23. Matt was a huge Jack’s Mannequin fan and Christine found fund-raising for the DJF team encouraged her brother during his fight. In both 2008 and 2009, the DJF team was the top Family & Friends team at the Anaheim LTN walk; Andrew walked both with Matt. Through LTN, Christine befriended fellow Director, Elisa Chin (who really does make the most delicious cookies), and Mao Shiokura, an invaluable DJF supporter, who served as National Co-Captains of the DJF LTN teams.

After Matt passed in 2009, Christine’s family formed The Matt Cwiertny Memorial Foundation (MCMF), a small charity focused on funding cures and programs for AYAs with cancer. In 2010, the MCMF partnered with the DJF at the LTN walk raising over $100,000, which they directed to research for treatments of AYAs with cancer. Christine’s family wound down the MCMF in 2020. After taking time off, Christine decided it was time to get involved again and was delighted when Elisa invited her to apply for a board position with DJF.

Christine is an attorney who, after 18 years of being a general litigator, took an inside counsel job with an asset management firm based in Orange County. She’s an avid swing dancer and spends her free time attending swing dance events throughout the U.S. Christine also volunteers with the Alliance for Children’s Rights, providing pro bono adoption services; the Bridge Shelter, offering fellowship to those seeking permanent housing; and Olive Crest, serving children in crisis situations.

Christine’s thrilled to be on the board and looks forward to working with Andrew and the other directors, as well as meeting more of and getting to know better the individual’s the DJF supports and DJF’s unwavering supporters.

Justin King is a Managing Director and Market Team Lead at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Denver. Justin and his team of advisors focus on helping successful business owners, executives and entrepreneurs define and realize their financial goals—and what impact they want to have on their families, their communities and the world.

Justin has 20 years of experience in financial services after graduating with a B.S. in Finance from Lake Forest College. He joined J.P. Morgan Private Bank in 2014 as an advisor in Chicago, before being tapped to lead a team in Denver, Colorado. Justin welcomed the opportunity to move back home after 20 years in Chicago. He enjoys the region’s abundant sunshine and access to outdoor activities with his wife and three children.

Dr. Allison Rosenthal is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but has lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for many years. She attended Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, for medical school, and then completed her Internal Medicine residency training at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She went on to become board-certified in Hematology and Oncology after a fellowship at Mayo Clinic Arizona. She is currently on staff at Mayo Clinic Arizona as a Hematologist with a particular focus in lymphoma.

Her path towards becoming a hematologist began when she was diagnosed with leukemia during medical school at the age of 24. Her experiences as a patient led her to pursue a career in hematology with a particular interest in blood cancer and issues affecting the adolescent and young adult cancer population. And, as a cancer survivor, she is passionate about improving opportunities and support available to other survivors, particularly as they make the transition from being patients back into the real world.

Dr. Rosenthal brings a unique perspective to the Dear Jack Foundation board as a cancer survivor, cancer doctor, and clinical researcher.

Neil Sinay is a seasoned executive with a robust background in software development and product management, currently serving as the Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Over The Top Marketing. In his current role, Neil plays a pivotal part in steering the company toward success in the digital marketing and technology sphere, specifically catering to franchise brands within the health, wellness, and beauty industries. Under his leadership, the agency has flourished, providing unparalleled services to over 2,000 local business owners, thereby enhancing their digital footprint and market presence.

Prior to joining Over The Top Marketing, Neil amassed a wealth of experience over 15 years in the software development sector, where he specialized in crafting innovative software solutions tailored for Real Estate, Traditional Media, and Federal Government projects. His journey in the tech world also includes a significant tenure with a private equity group based in Austin, Texas, where he excelled in Software Product Management. This role further honed his skills in overseeing product development cycles, ensuring that software solutions not only met but exceeded market needs and expectations.

Neil’s personal life is as fulfilling as his professional endeavors. He is a devoted husband and father to two children, with whom he enjoys spending quality time. Neil’s love for Southern California is evident in his leisure activities; he relishes the region’s access to golf courses, beaches, and mountains, making the most of the outdoor lifestyle it offers.

Mike Sigmond is a financial advisor in Omaha, Nebraska, and the founder of Sigmond Financial Management of Raymond James.

Mike comes to the Dear Jack board with extensive experience in corporate leadership and a history of serving the communities he’s lived in.   Mike is the former chairperson of the board for Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, a three-term president of the Omaha Westside Lions Club, and a current board member for Friends of KIOS-FM, the NPR affiliate in Omaha.   Mike also volunteers regularly, reading to the blind for Radio Talking Book Service.

Both of Mike’s parents are cancer survivors. In fact, his mother started her fight when Mike was a child. Mike has also experienced loss as two of his childhood friends lost their cancer battles at a young age.

Mike spent eight years as a television news anchor and reporter in Medford, Oregon, and Omaha before starting his nearly 20-year-long career helping clients achieve all their financial needs, wants, and wishes while empowering their communities and families.

Born in Philadelphia, Mike has two children: Natalie and Henry. He spends his free time playing ice hockey and riding his Peloton so he can enjoy cooking and eating exotic foods. And, of course, Mike’s favorite music is early 2000s emo/modern rock.

Steve is a partner/owner at J.W. Thomas Wines, a Napa Valley boutique winery and the former Executive Director of the Dear Jack Foundation. Steve has 17 years of experience in the music business, focusing on A&R, artist management, and strategic partnerships. He has worked with the likes of John Mayer, Train, Five for Fighting, Mat Kearney, Andrew McMahon, and The Fray.

Steve’s pivotal role in the successful launch of Verse & Chorus Napa Valley Red Wine fortified his knowledge and love of wine, and allowed him to bring to the wine industry his expertise in strategic brand development, relationship management, and partnership formation. Steve is also a member of The Co-op for Chicago Ideas Week, and is an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University.

Darren works in investment banking, and resides in CT. After several friends and colleagues were diagnosed with cancer, Darren began searching for charities to work with that supported initiatives directly benefiting adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer. DJF and Andrew McMahon have brought awareness to the shortfalls in treatment, support, and research for this specific demographic. Darren is excited to help their efforts in raising money and awareness for the specific challenges the AYA community faces, during and post-treatment.