Bush shaved his head to support Patrick, who has leukemia. | Courtesy of the Office of George Bush | Courtesy of the Office of George Bush George H.W. Bush shaves head

Former President George H.W. Bush has shaved his head to show support for the son of a member of his security detail, who is being treated for leukemia.

After seeing that many members of his Secret Service detail had shaved their heads in support of a young boy named Patrick, whose father Jon is a member of the Bush Protective Division, Bush took the drastic step in solidarity with the others, according to a press release from the Bush’s spokesman.


The two-year-old is diagnosed with leukemia and had started losing his hair, prompting the action. The family’s surname was withheld at the family’s request.

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The Bush Protective Division has also launched a website, as well as other benefits, to assist with the boy’s medical bills. Bush and his wife Barbara made a donation to Patrick’s website, followed by Bush shaving his head, according to the release.

The Bushes lost their second child at the age of four to leukemia 60 years ago, the press release noted.

The haircut caught widespread attention including that of former President Bill Clinton who tweeted about Bush on Wednesday night.

41, you look great. Love what you're doing. MT @jgm41 41 shaved his head to show solidarity w 2-year-old Patrick pic.twitter.com/LcoALKCdHZ — Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 24, 2013