Gary Sinise recently shared some very sad news about his son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise. Mac passed away last month at just 33 years old after fighting a rare type of cancer.

His dad wrote a touching tribute on their foundation’s website, remembering how Mac found joy in sharing music on his YouTube channel, especially when hospital staff listened.

Sadly, Mac’s battle with Chordoma, a rare spine cancer, ended on January 5th. The National Cancer Institute says only one in a million people get diagnosed with this each year.

Gary Sinise wanted to remind everyone that cancer affects so many people, and their family’s story is sadly not unique.

He shared photos of him and Mac together at events honoring WWII heroes and uplifting wounded soldiers with music from his Lt. Dan Band. Losing a child is incredibly hard, he wrote, and his heart goes out to others who have experienced similar pain.

Mac fought bravely for five and a half years, even though his cancer diagnosis came at the same time his mom was battling breast cancer. Thankfully, she’s now cancer-free after lots of treatment.

Gary Sinise said even though they miss Mac deeply, they’re comforted knowing he’s not suffering anymore. He’s proud to have been Mac’s dad and feels blessed by the time they had together.

Gary hopes that by sharing their family’s story, they can bring a little light into the darkness that they’ve been going through.

He described Mac as an incredible inspiration, always facing his struggles with grace, courage, and love. Even with all the setbacks, Mac never stopped living, learning, creating, giving, and loving.

Gary ended his message by telling Mac that they were blessed to have him and that they’ll love and miss him forever.