Bullied 8 Year-Old Grew His Hair For Two Years So He Could Donate It To A Child In Need

June 4, 2015

Two years ago, 8 year-old Christian McPhilamy from Melbourne, Florida, saw a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital commercial that changed his life forever.

He decided to grow out his hair and donate it to the Children With Hair Loss foundation.

Courtesy of Deeanna Thomas

It was not an easy task for a boy his age.

"He has endured an awful lot of criticism, and yes even bullying, throughout this time," his mother, Deeanna, wrote on Facebook. "From his peers calling him a girl to even coaches and family friends telling him he should cut it or offering him money to."

Courtesy of Deeanna Thomas

Christian and his mom have a nightly ritual where they search for whatever interests him online, Today reports. Although he's usually interested in researching animals, that night, Christian looked up St. Jude's. When an ad for a hair donation charity popped up, Deeanna explained to him that cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy sometimes accept hair donations.

"And he said, 'I want to do that,'" Deeanna told Today.

Courtesy of Deeanna Thomas

After two years of growing out his hair, Christian reached his goal and donated four 10-inch ponytails.

Courtesy of Deeanna Thomas

"He has never once, strayed from his goal and always took the time to educate others on why he made the choice to grow his hair. I am one proud mommy as always."