Christian McPhilamy has been telling bullies off for two years now.
Ever since he grew his hair long, people can't seem to get over it.
"Sometimes they would call me a girl," 8-year-old Christian told TODAY Parents.
"Even out and about or at a park, he would be playing with a bunch of boys and they'd be like, 'You look like a girl.' And he would just explain to them. He held his head high and he never once said that he wanted to cut it off ever," Christian's mom, Deanna Thomas, added.
Though bullying is all too common, kids like Christian and this group of elementary-school boys in who stepped in when a classmate was being mistreated, are the kinds of kids that will change the world some day.
Unfortunately, people couldn't see Christian's big heart because they were too focused on his appearance. At other times people were confused about his gender. While at a checkup a doctor once greeted him with, "Oh, hey beautiful girl." Christian politely told him, "I'm a boy."
When he was just 6 years old, he told his mom he wanted to grow his hair out, she was completely on his side.
"I was blown away…usually when Christian sets his mind to something, he pretty much goes with it. He doesn't let anything falter his goals. I was pretty confident that he was actually going to follow through with it."
So why was Christian so determined to have long hair? It's not exactly what you may think.
Read the story below and SHARE if kids like Christian make you hopeful for the future!
Meet 8-year-old Christian. Two years ago he decided to grow his hair long. However, the reason is quite surprising.
When Christian was 6 years old, he saw a St. Jude's Children Hospital commercial on TV. He was so moved by it, he knew he wanted to help other kids.
Growing his hair hasn't been easy. Not only kids his age but adults, too, have teased him about his long locks.
"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," his mom, Deeanna Thomas, wrote on Facebook.
Christian finally cut his hair and donated it to the Children With Hair Loss Foundation.
Four full ponytails, 12 inches long each, will go to kids in need.
"I am one proud mommy as always," Deanna said. We're all proud of Christian!
SHARE if Christian's big heart gave you a big smile!
