Famed actor Gary Sinise has recently shared the heartbreaking news of the loss of his son, Mac Sinise, at the young age of 33.
McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise passed away on January 5, 2024, following a prolonged fight against a rare cancer, which he battled for more than half a decade.
In a solemn and touching blog post on the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website, Gary recounts his son’s final months, including Mac‘s accomplishment of completing a music album shortly before his death.
“Just before the album got pressed, we lost Mac to his cancer battle,” Gary articulated in his tribute. “He left us on the 5th of January, 2024, at 3:25 in the afternoon, and was buried on January 23rd. Our family is experiencing immense grief, and we are coping as best as we can…I feel immensely blessed, fortunate, and filled with pride to be his father.”
Mac faced his diagnosis with Chordoma in August 2018, which was a challenging time as his mother was also grappling with stage three breast cancer.
Chordoma is an uncommon type of cancer that emanates from the spinal area, affecting only about 300 individuals yearly in the U.S. Gary shared, “In 70% of the cases, they can surgically remove the initial tumor resulting in a cure. However, for 30% of those affected, roughly 90 people annually, the cancer reemerges.”
“Fortunately, Moira’s condition went into remission after months of therapies and she has remained free of cancer. With Mac, post-surgery in September 2018 for tumor removal and another operation in February 2019 for a suspected infection, a scan in May 2019 brought the devastating news of his Chordoma’s recurrence and spread. Mac’s battle continued, becoming increasingly debilitating over time. Even with the growing challenge of his fight against cancer, he remained part of the GSF team into much of 2019 until another surgery was necessitated in November of that year,” he wrote.
Tragically, Mac succumbed to his illness this January.
“As parents, the passing of a child is among the most anguishing experiences. My empathy extends to all who have endured such sorrow, as well as any loss of a loved one. Through the years, I’ve encountered numerous families of fallen heroes. It is shattering and immeasurably tough. Our family’s ordeal with cancer spanned over five and a half years, presenting increasing hardship as time passed. Though we are in pain from his absence, we take solace in the fact that Mac’s suffering has ceased, and we draw inspiration and awe from the manner in which he confronted his battle. He waged a constant fight against an incurable cancer but remained unyielding in his efforts. Mac adored cinema, and we often felt he resonated with the soldier from the epic movie 1917, who charges across the warzone, encountering explosions and setbacks, yet persistently picks himself up, steadfastly moving forward,” Gary expressed.
The full blog post by Gary Sinise is accessible on GarySiniseFoundation.org.
FAQs About Mac Sinise’s Passing
- Who was Mac Sinise?
Mac Sinise was the son of actor Gary Sinise. He was a musician who had completed an album before his passing. - What type of cancer did Mac Sinise have?
Mac Sinise had Chordoma, a rare cancer that typically originates in the spine. - How long did Mac battle cancer?
He fought his battle with cancer for over five years. - Is there a tribute to Mac Sinise?
Yes, Gary Sinise has written a heartfelt tribute to his son, available on the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website.
Conclusion
The loss of Mac Sinise at the age of 33 is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of cancer. As family, friends, and supporters reflect on Mac’s life and struggle with this rare disease, the legacy of his courage and spirit endures. Gary Sinise’s public expression of grief and tribute to his son’s battle with cancer has touched many, offering a sense of solidarity and communal mourning with those who have experienced similar losses. Mac’s love for music and the arts, driven by resilience amidst adversity, remains an inspiration. The full tribute by Gary Sinise can be read at the Gary Sinise Foundation website, serving as a testament to a life that, while cut tragically short, was rich in passion and determination.