Stanton County Sheriff shaves head in solidarity with granddaughter battling leukemia

STANTON, Neb. -- What may sound like regular clippers, is really the sound of a grandfather keeping his promise. 

"So, she had asked me, 'Papa, I'd like you to cut your hair,' and I certainly wish to fulfill her wish,” said Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger 

Unger shaved his head in solidarity with his granddaughter, Kinsley Bennett, who is battling leukemia.  

The five-year-old was diagnosed a month ago undergoing emergency surgery, and the start of chemotherapy. 

Despite her battle, Unger said she's remained herself. 

"You know up until probably the last 24 to 48 hours, she probably wouldn't have known she was even sick,” said Unger. “She's a rambunctious little girl, strong willed, very active, but the last 48 hours have been very tough, and like I said, she unfortunately has been placed back in the hospital."  

Kinsley has lost most of her hair due to treatment, leading her to ask different family members to shave their hair. 

Unger said that despite how the new look may appear on him, he's doing it for her. 

"Certainly not going to help my looks, but I'm doing this for her. This is all about her, anything I can do to physically, emotionally support her I'm going to do it,” Unger said. “I'm like any other parent or grandparent, if we could change places with her, I'd do it in a heartbeat." 

Unger said that this last month has changed his outlook on life completely. 

"And I've always put the job first, and I have to say since this has happened, it's been a real kick in the teeth,” Unger said. “And it's made me realize that family is the most important thing, and fortunately my staff has stepped up and basically been there for anything I needed. So, when I need to serve my family they're there to take over." 

The support from the Sheriff's Office has been grand, as a deputy brought custom Team Kinsley patches to sell with the proceeds going towards Kinsley and her family. 

Unger advises everyone to love their family as they come number one, and is grateful for the continued support.