McCanna "Mac" Anthony Sinise, the musician son of actor Gary Sinise, has passed away from the rare spinal cancer Chordoma, his father announced.

Mac Sinise, who recently completed his album "Resurrection & Revival," lost his battle with the disease on January 5 following a prolonged struggle. Gary Sinise disclosed his son's passing on the Gary Sinise Foundation's website.

Gary Sinise’s Son Mac Dies Of Rare Cancer At 33 https://t.co/DQY7rDD7iE

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The announcement

"In the week the album went to press, Mac lost his battle with cancer," Gary Sinise wrote in a heartfelt tribute. "He died on January 5, 2024, at 3:25 pm, and was laid to rest on January 23rd. Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can... I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad."

Mac Sinise was diagnosed with Chordoma in August 2018, a mere two months after Gary Sinise's wife Moira was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

"What was happening? What is Chordoma? I had never heard of this. And two cancer patients, mother and son, within two months of each other? A real punch in the gut," wrote the actor.

A rare cancer

Chordoma, as Sinise explains, affects an average of 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."

While Moira Sinise's cancer went into remission, Mac underwent two spinal surgeries, but the Chordoma recurred by May 2019.

"This began a long battle that disabled him more and more as time went on," Sinise reflected. "The cancer fight was getting harder, but throughout most of 2019, he was still able to come to the GSF [Gary Sinise Foundation] office until a third spine surgery in November of that year."

Mac's impact

Mac Sinise joined the Foundation in 2017 as Assistant Manager of Education & Outreach. "As a father, having him as part of the Foundation was a gift," Sinise expressed.

"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," he added.

Mac Sinise also served as the drummer in his father's band, the Lt. Dan Band.

"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," Sinise concluded.

The Foundation noted that the Sinise family has not requested anything at this time but expressed gratitude for the kind words and prayers received from supporters. Contributions to either the Chordoma Foundation or the Gary Sinise Foundation have been made in Mac's honor.