True bravery – the kind that has you doing the right thing even though it has the power to do soul-deep damage – is inspirational, but when it comes from a nine-year old kid, it’s more than impressive.
Johnathan Core, when he was just nine, decided he would grow his hair out so a girl he saw on a TVO Kids segment, and kids like her, could have a wig when cancer treatment made her hair fall out.
When only one in 50 donations of hair come from males, what Johnathan did was pretty brave. It took a year and half for him to get the 12 inches in length needed to donate his hair to Locks of Love, and in that time he was bullied by people too ignorant to look past a boy with long hair to the incredibly giving kid underneath.
Even when he explained what he was doing, those kids made it their mission to give him a hard time, to bully and belittle him for being a caring human being.
Why is it there is always someone who feels the need to suck all the joy out of generous actions? Human nature, a lack of basic human emotion, jealousy? Although I admit to being a wee bit jealous of the gorgeous head of thick, blond hair Johnathan grew.
What made me feel privileged to be there when he was hooked up via Skype to the TVO Kids show, The Space, to have his hair cut off live on TV, was seeing a sweet, nervous kid inspire others with a big smile on his face. When he was asked what the hardest part of growing out his hair was he said, “Standing up to bullies,” with a confident smile on his face.
His confidence, I think, came from knowing he was doing something kind for other people, and from a tremendous support group. His parents, Kim and Chris, his teacher and staff at Tecumseh Public School and those friends who stuck by him gave him the confidence to keep going, even when it would have been easier to give up.
Thanks to Johnathan, and all the kids like him who grow their hair to make wigs for cancer patients, someone who is struggling through a difficult journey will have a slightly easier time of it thanks to a wig.
If only everyone ensured their words and actions came from a place of kindness and not anger or hate, kids like Johnathan wouldn’t have to endure what he did.
His story, however, can inspire us in two ways. Not just his act of kindness, but his refusal to let unkind words stop him from doing the right thing for all the right reasons.
You did an amazing thing..You should be so proud Johnathon !!!
Great job Johnathan such a kind and giving soul 🙂
SO PROUD of you Jonathan. !!! You endured unneccessary cruelness to help someone else. Few would.
Jon, a wonderful gesture on your part. Sure you will always feel good about helping with another's distress. Admirable
God Bless you! What a great example you are to so many other young people. Don't ever forget that.
Great job Johnatha!!!
Awesome, Johnathan!!! I assumed you liked having longer hair when I have seen you.at your Grandma's….be proud and happy that you have such a kind heart…hope those "mean kids" learn huge lessons from you!!
Just looking at the smiles on your faces, it's a proud moment for all of you. Always stand proud of your beliefs, the bullies are the stupid one's and don't have a clue about generosity or a love of another. My niece's have also donated to this worthy cause.