It's widely accepted that kids look up to adults. But right now, it's safe to say we're all looking up to 8-year-old Christian McPhilamy, who grew out his long, blond hair for two years to donate to an organization called Children With Hair Loss. He did it all while being bullied by kids at school and even family friends -- but he never let it stop him.

Around Christmastime in 2012, Christian saw a commercial for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and wanted to do something to help kids who had lost their hair. It gave him the idea to grow his hair out in hopes of one day donating it so kids could have wigs.

But not everyone understood Christian's idea. In a Facebook post, his mom, Deeanna Thomas, elaborated on some of the harder parts. "He has endured an awful lot of criticism, and yes even bullying, throughout this time," she said, "From his peers calling him a girl to even coaches and family friends telling him he should cut it or offering him money to."

Ultimately, Christian's heart was bigger than the haters.

"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," Deeanna said. "I am one proud mommy as always," she added.

Christian's mom posted this pic of his locks, right before the big chop:

And here he is, right after:

In the end, Christian had four ponytails -- 10 inches in total -- and one great big smile to show for it. That smile's about to multiply across the faces of every child he's helping.