Forrest Gump actor Gary Sinise has shared the heartbreaking news of his son's death at 33 following a battle with a rare cancer.
The actor, 68, who played Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 film alongside Tom Hanks, shared a heartfelt message revealing that his son McCanna Anthony 'Mac' Sinise had died after battling cancer since August 2018.
He revealed that Mac had been diagnosed with Chordoma, a rare form of cancer, just months after his mother Moira had been diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer.
Moira went into remission and has remained cancer-free after treatment, however, the couple's son's cancer continued to spread over time which "disabled him more and more", the actor said.
Mac, who was a talented drummer - often stepping in to play with his dad's Lt. Dan Band until his surgeries meant he was unable to play - was also a graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music.
Gary revealed that Mac tragically died on January 5 this year, telling fans in his lengthy post: "Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can.
"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.
"It’s heartbreaking, and it’s just damn hard. Our family’s cancer fight lasted for five-and-a-half years, and it became more and more challenging as time went on.
"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 added that he felt "blessed, fortunate, and proud" to be Mac’s father and is continuing his work to raise awareness of Chordoma and hopefully help research into treatments or a cure to help others who are affected by the rare disease.
He added: "In sharing our story, we hope to shine a little bit of light on what has been a difficult time for us as Mac was truly a light for all of us.
"An incredible inspiration to those who knew and loved him, he faced his battle with grace, courage, and love. Even with one setback after another, he never stopped living and learning, creating, and giving, and loving."
According to John Hopkins Medicine, Chordomas are tumors that can occur anywhere in the base of the skull or spine, and are formed from remnants of the notochord - embryonic tissue that eventually forms the center of spinal disks.
Although they typically are slow-growing, the tumors are malignant and may metastasize or become aggressive, putting pressure on parts of the spine or brain which can cause pain or even be life-threatening.
Treatment requires extensive surgery, and as in Mac's case, can leave patients with side effects including paralysis in certain parts of the body that are affected. Mac had undergone five spinal surgeries and was left paralyzed from the chest down.
It is believed that Chordoma only affects around 300 people per year in the US.
Mac died on January 5 and was laid to rest on January 23.
Our thoughts remain with the Sinise family at this heartbreaking time.
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