George H.W. Bush shaved his head Wednesday to show support for his security detail's 2-year-old son, who is sick with cancer.
A heartwarming snap taken after the shave shows the 89-year-old former president grinning with his arms wrapped around 2-year-old Patrick, who is battling leukemia. Both Bush and the boy are wearing matching collared polo shirts in the photograph.
Bush's act of kindness comes nearly 60 years after he and his wife, Barbara Bush, lost their 4-year-old daughter Robin to leukemia. Robin, their second child after George W. Bush, died in October 1953.
Former US President George H. W. Bush" poses on Walker's Point, Kennebunkport, Maine July 24, 2013 with his head shaved to show support for two year-old Patrick, who is battling cancer
Former president George H. W. Bush (right) is pictured with a full head of hair on July 15 at an event at the White House
Every member of Bush's Secret Service detail, including Patrick's father, Jon, shaved their heads alongside Bush this week to show their support for the boy. The family is not releasing Patrick's last name to protect their privacy.
As the boy undergoes chemotherapy, Bush's Protective Division has launched a website at www.patrickspals.org to assist with Patrick's medical bills as he undergoes chemotherapy.
According to the website, Patrick was diagnosed with leukemia several months ago.
'While his prognosis is very positive, there will be many years of treatment ahead,' the website says.
'We cannot thank both President AND Mrs. Bush enough for their generosity and concern!' the site adds.
This July 24, 2013 photo provided by the Office of George Bush shows President George H. W. Bush, front center, with his Secret Service security detail including Jon, fifth from left, holding his son Patrick
The Secret Service detail have also organized an inaugural Patrick's Pals Motorcycle Benefit Run on August 10 in Kennebunkport, Maine, where Patrick's parents have a vacation home
The security detail has also organized an inaugural Patrick's Pals Motorcycle Benefit Run on August 10 in Kennebunkport, Maine, where Patrick's parents have a vacation home.
The event involves a 50-mile motorcycle ride through the Maine countryside followed by a lunch and silent auction to raise funds for Patrick's treatments.
Bush's decision to shave his head won wide praise on Twitter.
Former President Bill Clinton tweeted, '41, you look great. Love what you're doing.'
President Obama's press secretary, Jay Carney, tweeted, 'Noted [with] great admiration.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2377158/George-H-W-Bush-shaves-head-support-security-details-adorable-2-year-old-son-battling-cancer.html#ixzz2a1SB7G3d
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