When eight-year-old Gabriel was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor—anaplastic astrocytoma—his life and that of his family were turned upside down. After a long and delicate surgery to remove the tumor, Gabriel survived, but the operation left a noticeable scar on the right side of his head. Instead of being a proud badge of survival, the scar became something he wanted to hide. His mother, Bethany Shultz, revealed that her son grew self-conscious whenever people noticed it.
A Father’s Powerful Response
Josh Marshall, Gabriel’s father, could not stand by while his son felt isolated. Determined to show his son that his scar was nothing to be ashamed of, Josh shaved his head and went under the needle—asking a tattoo artist to recreate Gabriel’s scar in the exact same spot. “If people wanted to stare, they could stare at both of us,” Josh said, making a statement of love stronger than any words.
From Family Gesture to Global Inspiration
On Father’s Day, Josh entered the #BestBaldDad competition organized by St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising awareness for childhood cancer. He submitted a photo of himself and Gabriel, side by side, with their matching marks. What started as a small act of solidarity suddenly captured hearts across the internet. The photo went viral, with thousands of people touched by the courage and compassion behind it.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
On June 19, 2016, Josh was announced as the winner of the competition with more than 5,000 votes. Yet, instead of basking in the spotlight, Josh humbly thanked everyone and reminded the world that countless fathers would go to any length for their children. “We are all great fathers that would go to any extent to help our children,” he wrote, calling every dad who supports his family a true winner.
Video: A SCAR, A TATTOO, AND A FATHER’S LOVE
More Than a Tattoo—A Symbol of Strength
Josh’s tattoo became more than just a mark on his skin. It turned into a powerful emblem of support, hope, and awareness for families fighting childhood cancer. It also inspired people worldwide to look beyond scars and see the stories of courage they represent.
Through one bold, heartfelt gesture, Josh Marshall transformed his son’s painful reminder into a shared symbol of resilience. His inked promise tells every parent and child facing a similar struggle: you are never alone, and love can turn even life’s deepest wounds into a source of unshakable strength.
