KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine – President George H. W. Bush has shaved his head to show his support for the 2-year-old son of a Secret Service detail member who has cancer.
Patrick, whose father Jon is a member of the Bush Protective Division (BPD), is being treated for leukemia and recently started losing his hair.
The 89-year-old commander-in-chief took the unusual step earlier this week after learning and seeing that many members of his security detail had already gone under the razor to show their support for Patrick.
BPD members have also launched a website to assist with Patrick's medical bills. They've also organized the Inaugural Patrick's Pals Motorcycle Benefit Run on August 10 which will take place in Kennebunkport. The 50-mile motorcycle stretch will take riders through the Maine countryside. A lunch and silent auction will follow to raise funds for Patrick's treatments.
When President and Mrs. Bush learned of the "Patrick's Pals" effort, they made a donation and President Bush volunteered to shave his head.
The Bushes lost their second child, 4-year-old Robin, to leukemia 60 years ago this October.