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Boy endures years of bullying to donate hair to children's charity

Christian, pre and post-haircut. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)
Christian, pre and post-haircut. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)

Eight-year-old Christian McPhilamy is the centre of attention for his selfless act today, but his last two years haven’t always been quite as easy.

The boy from Melbourne, Florida saw a TV commercial about pediatric cancer two years ago, his mother Deeanna Thomas told Florida Today, where he heard about St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the challenges faced by kids dealing with cancer. It inspired Christian to grow his hair and, on May 20, he cut off one 12-inch and three 11-inch ponytails to be mailed to the Michigan-based charity Children with Hair Loss.

Christian's hair in ponytails, ready to be chopped off. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)
Christian's hair in ponytails, ready to be chopped off. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)

While Christian’s intentions were entirely noble, his peers didn’t always see the good that he was doing and Thomas says Christian was bullied for having his long hair.

“Some people tried to call me a girl,” Christian told Florida Today. He says he didn’t feel good about the comments, but wanted to keep working towards his goal.

“I just wanted to give a wig away.”

Scott Norris buzzing off the last of Christian's long hair. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)
Scott Norris buzzing off the last of Christian's long hair. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)

In a Facebook post, Thomas shared Christian’s story:

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

Christian's ponytails measuring at 12-inches and 11-inches. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)
Christian's ponytails measuring at 12-inches and 11-inches. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)

Christian’s parents, Thomas and step-dad Scott Norris, say they couldn’t be prouder of Christian.

“We try to bring both of them up where it’s not just about you,” Thomas said about raising Christian and his sister, Avalynn.

“It’s about everyone. It’s about everyone helping everybody, and everybody being involved in their community.”

Christian showing off his first haircut in two and a half years. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)
Christian showing off his first haircut in two and a half years. (Deeanna Thomas/Facebook)

If you’re interested in donating hair to charity like Christian, reach out directly to the organization you’d like to help and see what their requirements are for donations. Angel Hair for Kids is a Canadian charity run by the A Child’s Voice Foundation, and takes hair in 12-inch ponytails that have not been treated in any way. Locks of Love can accept dyed or permed hair, but not bleached, and must measure a minimum of 10 inches. For more information visit their FAQ pages here and here.