Gary Sinise 'heartbroken' after son McCanna Anthony Sinise dies at 33 from 'very rare cancer'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Forrest Gump' star Gary Sinise is mourning the death of his son Mac Sinise at the age of 33. 

McCanna Anthony Sinise, affectionately known to his family as Mac lost battle to chordoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Gary Sinise mourns death of son Mac due to cancer

The heartbreaking news was shared by Gary on his foundation's website Tuesday, February 27 revealing that Mac had "one in a million cancer" a disease that affects only 300 people in the United States each year.

Mac died on January 5 at 3.25 pm and was buried on January 23. Gary disclosed that his son had been diagnosed with Chordoma in 2018, just months after his wife, Moira Harris, had undergone chemotherapy for stage 3 breast cancer. Harris is now cancer-free, but Gary called the time "a real punch in the gut" for their family.

Mac's journey with Chordoma began in 2018, a diagnosis that shook the Sinise family to its core. Amidst his mother Moira Harris' own battle with stage 3 breast cancer, Mac faced a daunting uphill struggle. Despite numerous surgeries and treatments, the cancer persisted, spreading further in May 2019.

Throughout his ordeal, Mac remained an integral part of his father's foundation, finding solace and purpose in supporting its mission. Gary Sinise fondly recalls Mac's infectious personality, describing him as engaging and upbeat. Mac's passion for music, particularly his talent as a drummer, endeared him to many, especially during his performances with his father's Lt Dan Band.

"This began a long battle that disabled him more and more as time went on. The cancer fight was getting harder," Gary shared. Mac continued to work for his father's foundation, which Gary said was very rewarding for him.

Gary said that "having him as part of the Foundation was a gift." Mac stopped working for the organization in January 2020 to "focus full-time on recovery and rehab."

Mac was also remembered by Gary for his love of music, calling him "an exceptional drummer."

"He would substitute for my drummer, Danny Gottlieb, when Danny was unavailable to play our Lt. Dan Band shows. Those were some great times, father and son rockin' out together for the troops," Gary shared, later revealing that Mac finished an album with original compositions before his passing. "The week the album went to press, Mac lost his battle with cancer," his dad wrote.

"Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can. As parents, it is so difficult losing a child. My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one. We've all experienced it in some way," Gary's statement read.

"Our family's cancer fight lasted for 5 ½ years, and it became more and more challenging as time went on. While our hearts ache at missing him, we are comforted in knowing that Mac is no longer struggling, and inspired and moved by how he managed it. He fought an uphill battle against a cancer that has no cure, but he never quit trying," he continued. "I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad."

Aside from Mac, Gary and Moira have two adult daughters: Sophie and Ella.

Internet pays tribute to Gary Sinise's son Mac

Following the heartbreaking news of Gary Sinise's son's death, the internet has rallied in support, offering condolences and tributes to the beloved actor and his family.

One user expressed heartfelt sympathy, writing, "May God hold you and your family tightly as your mourn your precious son and He embraces him in eternity until you all may meet again. May Mac's memory be a blessing."

Another user echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the pain of loss and offering comfort to the grieving family saying, "Thank you for sharing his incredible story. My heart is breaking just reading this."

A user reached out to Gary Sinise as a fellow parent, acknowledging the unimaginable pain of losing a child, "I just subscribed to his YouTube. Father to father, what a terrible thing to go through. Keep up the great work, Gary." 

Another user wrote, "Beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold you and your family close and help heal your pain."

As the internet community comes together to honor Mac's memory, one user encapsulated the sentiment shared by many, "May Mac's memory be a blessing to you and your family."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.