Former President George H. W. Bush in Kennebunkport, Maine, joined members of his Secret Service detail in shaving his head to show solidarity with Patrick, 2, son of one of the agents. The boy is being treated for leukemia and is losing his hair as a result.

HOUSTON — Former President George H.W. Bush has shaved his head to show solidarity for the sick child of a Secret Service agent.

A statement issued by a Bush spokesman Wednesday said the 89-year-old former president acted earlier this week at his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. That was after he saw members of his Secret Service detail with newly shaved heads to show support for the 2-year-old son of an agent.

The child is undergoing treatment for leukemia and is losing his hair.

The Bush spokesman identified the boy only as Patrick, his last name withheld at his family’s request.

George and Barbara Bush lost their second child, 4-year-old Robin Bush, to leukemia almost 60 years ago.

The security detail has launched a website, www.patrickspals.org, to help with expenses associated with Patrick’s treatment.