George H.W. Bush shaves head for boy suffering from leukemia
The German magazine Der Spiegel accidentally published the obituary of former US president George Bush Sr. who it described as “colorless.”
Former US president George H.W. Bush is sporting a look rather different from his usual, well-preserved brown locks: the 89-year-old has shaved his head in solidarity with the young son of a Secret Service agent.
The 2-year-old, identified only as Patrick, was recently diagnosed with leukemia, a dangerous cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
The former president's Secret Service security detail has launched a website devoted to Patrick's ongoing treatment and fundraising efforts in his name, including plans for an upcoming motorcycle benefit run.
Several members of the team decided to shave their heads to show their support for Patrick, whose treatment has caused him to lose his hair, the Star Telegram reported.
More from GlobalPost: US drugmakers cheer speed-lane for breakthrough therapies
"Once President and Mrs. Bush learned of this 'Patrick's Pals' effort, they made a donation and President Bush volunteered to shave his head as well," said a statement from Bush's office, according to the Star Telegram.
"The Bushes lost their second child, Robin, to leukemia 60 years ago this October at the age of four."
"We cannot thank both President AND Mrs. Bush enough for their generosity and concern!" Patrick's supporters wrote on the fundraising blog.
Barbara Bush spoke publicly of Robin's painful loss to her granddaughter, Barbara Bush Hager, in an interview on NBC's 'Today' show back in 2012. You can watch it below.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you. We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
Make a gift today, and you’ll help us unlock a matching gift of $67,000!