Father Tattoos His Head to Match Son’s Cancer Scar—and the Internet Is in Tears

When Gabriel Marshall looked in the mirror after brain surgery, he didn’t see a survivor—he saw a “monster.” At just eight years old, the physical scar left by cancer weighed heavily on his self-esteem. But what his father did next became a symbol of unconditional love, going far beyond words of comfort. With ink and intention, Josh Marshall etched his son’s scar into his own scalp—a mirror image that said, You’re not alone in this.

Their story didn’t go viral just because it was heartwarming. It struck a chord because it captured something so many families facing illness understand deeply: when one member suffers, the whole family steps in—not just to support, but to stand beside them, scar for scar.

Son’s Battle with Brain Cancer

In 2015, 8-year-old Gabriel Marshall from Kansas was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma—a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer. The diagnosis brought on a difficult journey that included brain surgery to remove the tumor. While the operation helped slow the cancer, it left Gabriel with a large, visible scar on his head and resulted in hair loss, both of which deeply affected his self-esteem.

His father, Josh Marshall, shared that after the surgery, Gabriel became very self-conscious. The young boy told his dad he felt like a “monster,” a heartbreaking reflection of how his appearance had impacted his confidence. Though a small part of Gabriel’s tumor remained, scans showed no further growth for a time, and he continued regular monitoring with MRI scans every three months.

Gabriel’s physical recovery was only one part of the challenge. Helping him rebuild his confidence and emotional well-being became just as critical as his medical treatment.

Dad’s Tattoo and Why It Mattered

When Josh Marshall saw how deeply Gabriel’s scar affected his confidence, he made a powerful decision to show his son he wasn’t alone. In August 2015, Josh had a tattoo inked on his head that perfectly matched Gabriel’s post-surgery scar. It was more than just a symbol—it was a message: “If people are going to stare, let them stare at both of us.”

For Gabriel, it made all the difference. He no longer felt isolated or different. Instead, he proudly told others that he and his dad were “twins.” That small gesture—a simple tattoo—became a shield for Gabriel’s self-esteem.

The moment struck a chord far beyond their local community. Josh entered a photo of the two of them into the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s annual #BestBaldDad competition, which honors dads who show solidarity with their children fighting cancer. Their photo won the top spot with over 5,000 votes, capturing hearts across the internet.

Though Josh never expected the attention, he saw it as a chance to shine a light on what families of children with cancer go through—and the small but meaningful ways they show up for each other.

What Is Anaplastic Astrocytoma?

Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain tumor that originates from star-shaped cells in the brain called astrocytes. These tumors fall under a category known as gliomas, and anaplastic astrocytoma is considered a Grade III tumor—meaning it grows faster and is more malignant than lower-grade astrocytomas.

This type of cancer can occur at any age but is especially heartbreaking when it affects children, as it did with Gabriel. Symptoms often include headaches, seizures, changes in behavior or personality, and difficulties with balance or coordination. Diagnosis typically involves imaging like MRI scans, followed by a biopsy to examine the tumor’s cells.

Treatment is challenging and may involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While surgery can sometimes remove much of the tumor, anaplastic astrocytomas have a tendency to spread into surrounding brain tissue, making complete removal difficult.

Gabriel’s tumor was partially removed during surgery, but a small portion remained. Though stable for a time, the nature of the disease is unpredictable and often relentless. His journey highlights not only the physical toll of such a diagnosis but the emotional and psychological battles that come with it—especially for young children and their families.

Importance of Family Support in a Child’s Cancer Journey

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is thrust into a world of uncertainty, fear, and emotional upheaval. For the child, the physical symptoms and medical procedures are only part of the battle—what’s just as impactful is the emotional toll of feeling different, isolated, or even ashamed. This is where the role of a supportive family becomes not just helpful, but essential.

Josh Marshall’s decision to tattoo his son’s surgical scar wasn’t just a gesture of solidarity—it was an act of deep empathy. In doing so, he told Gabriel: “You’re not alone. Your scars are my scars.” That kind of emotional mirroring can be a lifeline for children who are struggling with their self-image or confidence after illness or surgery.

Family support during illness isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s in the quiet presence during hospital visits, the effort to keep routines as normal as possible, or the willingness to go the extra mile to make a child feel safe and loved—no matter what. Children, especially when facing something as overwhelming as cancer, are often looking for cues from their parents on how to respond to their own situation.

Research has shown that strong family involvement is linked to better coping mechanisms, lower anxiety, and even improved treatment outcomes. A child who feels emotionally secure is more likely to communicate openly with their care team and maintain hope throughout the journey.

Josh and Gabriel’s story is a powerful reminder that in the face of life’s most difficult battles, love doesn’t just offer comfort—it becomes a form of healing.

My Personal RX on Supporting a Loved One Battling Cancer

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, your presence, patience, and practical support can make a world of difference. While you can’t fight their battle for them, the way you show up—emotionally and physically—can help lighten their load and strengthen their resilience. Cancer doesn’t just affect the body; it challenges the mind, spirit, and relationships. Offering grounded, consistent support can be just as healing as any treatment plan.

Be Present Without Needing to Fix Everything: Sometimes the best support is simply sitting with them in silence, listening without judgment, and offering comfort without pressure. Let them guide the pace of the conversation, and show up in ways that make them feel seen—not pitied.
Help Nurture Their Gut and Brain Health: Preparing meals from Mindful Meals—a gut-brain cookbook—can be a loving and practical way to care for them. Each recipe is crafted to reduce inflammation, support digestion, and promote mental clarity—key areas often impacted during cancer treatment.
Support Emotional Health Through Gut Balance: Cancer and its treatments can throw the gut-brain axis out of balance, affecting mood, focus, and immunity. MindBiotic helps restore microbial diversity, which may help support emotional resilience and better digestion during this difficult time.
Encourage Small, Nourishing Acts of Self-Care: Whether it’s taking a short walk, stepping outside for fresh air, or doing a simple breathing exercise, small daily rituals can provide a sense of normalcy and empowerment in the midst of uncertainty.
Help Organize and Simplify Their Day-to-Day: Offer to run errands, coordinate appointments, or manage meals and schedules. Easing logistical burdens allows your loved one to focus on rest, healing, and emotional processing.
Promote Brain and Heart Health: Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory and cognitive benefits, which can be especially supportive during and after treatment. Ensuring they get essential fatty acids can help preserve mental clarity and overall vitality.
Respect Their Space and Energy: Treatment can be draining—physically and emotionally. Always check in before visiting or offering help, and let them know it’s okay to say no or change plans at any time.
Offer Encouragement, Not Pressure: Stay hopeful, but don’t push toxic positivity. Your loved one needs room to express fear, frustration, and grief. Be the person who allows all emotions, not just the “strong” ones.
Stay Informed, But Don’t Overwhelm: Educate yourself about their type of cancer and treatments so you can understand what they’re going through—but be careful not to bombard them with unsolicited advice or articles.
Take Care of Yourself, Too: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Supporting someone through cancer can be emotionally taxing, so be sure to nourish your own body, protect your mental health, and reach out for help when you need it.