McCanna Sinise, 33, the son of actor Gary Sinise, died last month following a years-long struggle with a chordoma, a rare form of spinal cancer, the family announced Tuesday.
Mr. Sinise, known for his roles in the film “Forrest Gump” and TV’s “CIS: NY,” also shared a long written statement on his foundation’s website in memoriam of his son, who went by the nickname Mac.
“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,” Mr. Sinise wrote.
In June 2018, Mr. Sinise relates, his wife, actress Moira Harris, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Mac Sinise was diagnosed with chordoma in August.
The cancer, which grows in the spine, makes up about 20% of all spinal tumors and 3% of all bone cancers and affects one in a million people each year, according to the Chordoma Foundation.
While Ms. Harris went into remission following months of treatment, Mac Sinise continued going through spinal surgeries in an attempt to beat back the chordoma. On Jan. 5, Mac Sinise died in the hospital before being buried on Jan. 23.
“Throughout our time knowing Mac and his family, they’ve inspired us with their courage, perseverance, and deep care for each other. Sadly, earlier this year, Mac passed away as a result of his disease. During his battle, Mac and many who cared for him set in motion tremendous advances in research for this rare disease,” the Chordoma Foundation wrote on its website.