Gary Sinise Mourns Death Of His Son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise
Gary Sinise’s son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, passed away on January 5 at the age of 33. The Forrest Gump actor confirmed the news in a statement on his Gary Sinise Foundation website.
Gary detailed how Mac was diagnosed with “a very rare cancer” called Chordoma in August 2018.
The Mayo Clinic describes Chordoma as:
“…a rare type of bone cancer that happens most often in the bones of the spine or the skull. It most often forms where the skull sits atop the spine (skull base) or at the bottom of the spine (sacrum).”
The Mayo Clinic adds that Chordoma “can be difficult to treat because it’s often located very close the spinal cord and other important structures, such as arteries, nerves or the brain.”
Mac Sinise Worked For His Father’s Foundation
Mac joined the Gary Sinise Foundation in February 2017 to serve as the organization’s Assistant Manager of Education & Outreach. Gary recalls feeling “thrilled and excited” to have his son on the team.
“As a father, having him as part of the Foundation was a gift,” Gary wrote. “He was a great representative who cared about the mission and those we serve, and I was eager to watch him grow with the organization.“
Gary also shared how Mac “was an exceptional drummer.“ He would often step in to play drums in Gary’s Lt. Dan Band when Gary’s regular drummer, Danny Gottlieb, couldn’t make a show.
The Sinise family experienced a lot of challenges in the summer of 2018. In June of that year, Gary’s wife Moira was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Just two months later, Mac received his Chordoma diagnosis.
“Chordoma is a one in a million cancer,” Gary wrote. “Originating in the spine, Chordoma affects, on average, only 300 people in the U.S. per year. In 70% of the cases the initial tumor can be removed, and it is cured. But in 30% of the cases, perhaps about 90 people per year, the cancer returns.”
Thankfully, Moira went into remission, and she remains cancer-free. But Mac’s battle continued.
Gary Sinise Is “Heartbroken” Over Death Of His Son Mac
Gary detailed how Mac underwent surgery to remove his initial tumor in September 2018. Another surgery followed in February to clear what appeared to be an infection.
Sadly, during a scan in May 2019, doctors discovered that Mac’s Chordoma had returned, and was spreading. “This began a long battle that disabled him more and more as time went on,” Gary said.
Mac was able to visit the Gary Sinise Foundation Office until he underwent a third spine surgery in November 2019.
Gary’s son stepped away from the Foundation in 2020 to focus on his cancer battle.
Mac bravely battled cancer for the next four years. He passed away on January 5, 2024 and was laid to rest on January 23, 2024.
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“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can,” Gary said. “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 … 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.”
How You Can Help Honor Gary Sinise’s Son Mac
In lieu of gifts or flowers, you can honor Mac by leaving a message for the Sinise family on the Gary Sinise Foundation website.
Some people have already taken the initiative to honor Mac by making donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation. You can also make a donation to the Chordoma Foundation, which helped support the Sinise family throughout Mac’s cancer battle.
The Chordoma Foundation is the only foundation whose sole mission is to find a cure for Chordoma. The Sinise family has established a fundraiser through the foundation in Mac’s memory, with the goal of helping 100 Chordoma patients receive the treatment they need.
You can donate to the Chordoma Foundation in Mac’s memory here.
As mentioned earlier, Mac was a musician. Before he died, he recorded an album titled Resurrection & Revival. The album went to press the same week that Mac passed away.
Gary says the album will be available soon. You can pre-order the album here. Per Mac’s wishes, his proceeds from the album’s sales will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation.
You can also watch one of Mac’s music videos below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gary, Moira, and their daughters Sophie and Ella. May Mac rest in peace…