Gary Sinise Lost His Son Mac to a ‘1 in a Million’ Disease and the Family Needs Prayers

Actor Gary Sinise is well known for his notable roles as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump or on the TV show CSI: New York. However, he’s also gained quite a bit of notoriety for his incredible passion for helping veterans.

Through the Gary Sinise Foundation, the actor has supported the military and other United States service members in a variety of ways. He’s paid off mortgages and built homes for wounded warriors. He regularly sends the families of fallen soldiers to Walt Disney World. Gary Sinise truly has a servant’s heart when it comes to honoring those who serve our great country.

Sadly, the kind and generous man has suffered a great tragedy. On January 5, 2024, Gary Sinise’s son Mac died.

Mac Sinise Health

McCanna Anthony Sinise, who simply went by Mac, is the only son of Gary Sinise and Moira Harris. The couple also has two daughters, Sophie and Ella.

Gary Sinise’s son Mac joined his father in supporting military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Mac went to work at the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2017. And Gary considered it a blessing to share his passion with his son.

“As a father, having him as part of the Foundation was a gift,” Gary said.”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.”

Also, like his father, Mac Sinise shared a love of music. He started playing drums at 9 years old and even played with his dad at some of the Lt. Dan Band shows when the group’s regular drummer couldn’t make it.

Sadly, in 2018, just two months after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, doctors diagnosed Gary Sinise’s son with Chordoma.

“Chordoma is a one-in-a-million cancer,” Gary explained. “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.”

Unfortunately, the latter proved to be true for Mac.

Making the Most of His Time

Gary Sinise’s son Mac underwent surgery in September of 2018 to remove a tumor and then a subsequent spine procedure in February 2019 to clear out infection. However, a few months later, scans revealed the chordoma was back and spreading.

Mac Sinise spent several years battling this rare cancer. The illness ate away at his body, robbing him of so much physically, including his ability to play the drums. However, Mac refused to let it steal his joy.

Mac continued serving at the Gary Sinise Foundation until he absolutely couldn’t any longer. He then began working from home to help launch the Gary Sinise Foundation podcast. Mac even interviewed his dad for the show!

LISTEN: Gary Sinise’s Son Interviews Him

Even though the effects of chordoma made playing the drums impossible, Mac continued making music.

From his hospital bed, he worked on finishing a piece of music he’d started writing in college called "Arctic Circles." Upon his mother’s suggestion, Mac also learned how to play the harmonica. He then teamed up with various musicians (including his dad) to spend his final days creating an album of music called Resurrection & Revival.

Gary Sinise’s Son Dies at 33

In the same week the album went to press, Gary Sinise’s son lost his battle with chordoma.

“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can,” Gary wrote in a tribute to his son. “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.”

Despite the intense grief Gary Sinise and his family faced, he will forever cherish the time spent with his son, Mac.

“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,” Gary said. “I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad.”

What a beautiful legacy left behind by this young man. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Sinise family.

“And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you.” John 16:22

Photo Courtesy: Facebook/The Charlie Daniels Band
Originally published on God Updates. Used with permission.