‘CSI’ Star Gary Sinise’s Son Was Paralyzed from Chest Down Yet Kept Doing His One Favorite Thing

Gary Sinise’s son, Mac Sinise, died at the age of 33 after a long illness with a rare form of cancer. The Gary Sinise Foundation published a tribute announcing that Mac died on January 6, 2024.

Mac was laid to rest on January 23, 2024. Gary spoke of how bravely his son fought an uphill battle with a cancer that had no cure. The “CSI: New York” star was proud, fortunate, and blessed to be Mac’s dad.

In a long and emotional tribute, Gary opened up about Mac’s life. He revealed that his son had been playing drums since he was nine years old. As an exceptional drummer, Mac would substitute for Gary’s drummer, Danny Gottlieb. He would play drums at “CSI: New York.” rap parties with the Lt. Dan Band.

He sweetly recalled, “Those were some great times, father and son rockin’ out together for the troops.” However, Gary’s family was rocked when mother and son were diagnosed with cancer within months of each other.

The summer of 2018 posed significant challenges for Gary’s family. In June of that year, his wife Moira Harris, received a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. Following lymph node surgery, she commenced chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Gary dived online and found out that Chordoma, a cancer originating in the spine, is exceedingly rare, affecting approximately 300 individuals in the United States annually.

He also learned that while 70% of cases allow for successful removal of the initial tumor and subsequent cure, the remaining 30% face the distressing possibility of cancer recurrence, presenting a daunting challenge for his family.

Regrettably, a subsequent scan in May 2019 showed that his Chordoma had resurfaced and was spreading. Thus began a prolonged battle, during which Mac’s condition worsened over time, posing greater challenges to his well-being.

Gary’s son’s responsibilities involved managing the Gary Sinise Foundation archive, digitizing materials, and overseeing operations at the foundation’s Education & Outreach Center. This included organizing events, conducting tours, engaging with donors, and reaching out to military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families who received the foundation’s support.

The actor said having Mac on the team was a blessing as he was deeply committed to the foundation’s mission and the individuals they assisted. Gary looked forward to seeing his son progress within the organization.

Mac’s enthusiasm was evident whenever he joined Gary on the road, and his dedication to their cause shone through in every interaction. “I was eager to watch him grow with the organization,” noted Gary.

His commitment shone through as he successfully conducted two interviews, one with the foundation’s video producer, Kip Perry, and another with Gary himself. However, in January 2020, on the eve of his fourth spine surgery, Mac recognized the need to step away temporarily from the foundation duties to focus on his health.

As Mac continued his relentless fight against Chordoma, friends and family wanted to help. So, the family created the page “Team Mac,” where they could raise funds for the highly-required research to find treatments for this rare orphan cancer.

Gary recounted how Mac, in 2023, despite his health challenges, found inspiration to revisit a piece of music called “Arctic Circles” that he had composed during his college years but never completed. Mac dubbed his piece “Arctic Circles” as a nod to the wintery nature documentaries that brought him solace during his hospital stays.

He either worked from his hospital bed at home or in his wheelchair. With a stylus attached to his right hand and a small keyboard on his hospital bed table, Mac found ways to input ideas and refine his music, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Impressed, Oliver agreed to help finish it, and they began collaborating. After exchanging notes and fine-tuning, Oliver completed a stunning arrangement. Mac chose July 17, 2023, for the recording session, coinciding with his sister Sophie’s visit.

Mac continued pursuing his love for music as he battled cancer. However, with drumming no longer an option, his mother recommended he try the harmonica. Embracing the suggestion, Mac began teaching himself to play.

Gary was impressed by Mac’s rendition, so, he proposed the idea of arranging strings to accompany him. Since Oliver was already orchestrating “Arctic Circles,” Gary thought it made sense to include “Shenandoah” as well.

Mac was excited to share the album with the world but he couldn’t as the week the album went to press, he departed from this world. Mac celebrated his last birthday during a recording session at Blackbird Studios.

Until Gary’ Sinise’s live interview with Raymond Arroyo on December 29, 2023, the actor had not publicly addressed Mac’s difficult battle.

Sadly, on December 30, 2023, the day after Gary’s interview with Raymond, Mac was rushed to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing. Despite stabilizing him, he was admitted to the hospital. Gary remained by his side, hoping for a routine stay and a return home.

Gary’s family expressed gratitude for all those who have extended help, love, and support during their challenging time. They thanked Mac’s caregivers Mimi and Lulu. The family also noted that Mac was known for his deep devotion to his Catholic faith.

This commitment undoubtedly provided him with strength throughout his arduous five-and-a-half-year struggle against the debilitating Chordoma cancer. The family disclosed that Mac’s favorite quote from St. Augustine was, “You have made us for yourself oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

As much as Mac’s family deeply mourns his absence, they find solace in the knowledge that he is now free from his suffering. They are inspired and touched by his remarkable resilience throughout his ordeal especially, since Mac was always focusing on what he could do, and never on what he couldn’t.

Like the soldier enduring relentless bombardment on the battlefield, Mac continually rose after each setback, refusing to surrender and pressing onward. Now, with his demise, his family who loves and dearly misses him find comfort in the fact that their loved one is no longer in pain.