Mailbag: Cole

I've posted stories about people supporting family and friends by shaving their heads (1, 2, 3, 4). Just recently, I got an email from a father whose three-year-old son has leukemia.

As I've mentioned before, I think the idea of shaving one's head to support a loved one is beautiful. Unwanted hair loss due to chemotherapy or surgery can be very difficult for people to take. It's made easier when they have the very visible support of those close to them. Hopefully, the depth of our love for family and friends is always obvious; making it visible to everyone around is a nice touch.

My 3-year-old son Cole was diagnosed with childhood leukemia a week before Christmas. He started chemo treatment immediately, and he begun losing his hair after about 2 weeks of treatment, just before the New Year. We always got our haircuts together, so when I told Cole we need to cut his hair, he agreed to it if we did it "together". He got a close buzz cut, and the chemo medication will take care of the rest over the next few days. I did a buzz cut for myself, followed by a full shave, so we would match. I intend to keep my skull shaved at least until Cole's hair begins to grow back, sometime after his 2-year chemo treatment is over.

They've set up a website for Cole which includes pictures and other information. Good luck, Cole; I'll be thinking of you.