Former President George H.W. Bush shaved his head Wednesday to show support for a 2-year-old boy who is battling leukemia and is losing his hair because of treatment according to USA Today.
The young boy, Patrick, battling leukemia is the son of a member of the former president’s Secret Service detail.
“The nation’s 41st president, age 89, got the idea to go bald when he noticed that members of his detail had also shaved their heads in solidarity with the boy.”
ABC News reports that the former president shaved his head earlier this week at his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Te idea came to George H.W. Bush after he saw members of his Secret Service detial with newly shaved heads to show support for young Patrick.
The ABC News report stated that George and Barbara Bush lost their second child, 4-year-old Robin Bush, to leukemia almost 60 years ago.
Patrick had been diagnosed with leukemia this spring and because of his treatment, he has lost his hair. So the former president and his Secret Service detail wanted to show their support for the young boy.
According to Bush spokesman Jim McGrath it was a member of Bush’s security team that had the honor of shaving the former president’s head.
“Now they all look the same,” said McGrath. “It’s hard to tell them all apart.”
The Houston Chronicle reported that Patrick’s prognosis is good, and to help with medical bills a website has been set up for those who would like to donate to the cause: www.patrickspals.org .
“There is a charity motorcycle ride coming up August 10,” said McGrath.
Patrick’s Pals Motorcycle Benefit Run in Kennebunkport, Maine, will be a 50-mile motorcycle ride through the Maine countryside. A lunch and silent auction will also be held to raise funds for Patrick’s expensive treatments.
What do you think of former George H.W. Bush’s attempt to show his support for the 2-year-old cancer patient ?
[Images by Office of George Bush via The Houston Chronicle ]
