Almost 3 1/2 years, Jackson Champion endured teasing comments from friends, family and strangers about his long hair. Shelby - “When are you going to cut your hair? You look like a girl. You aren’t cool if you don’t cut your hair.”

Jackson let his hair grow to tame a couple of cowlicks.

Jackson said “I just want to have long hair and cut it then giving to charity. I’m going to donate my hair to Locks of Love.”

Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children who suffered medical hair loss condition.

Erin, his mom said “He has been through it. The kids have not been kind. His dad, David, and I told him, ‘You have to decide what you are going to do - listen to other people or be your own person.’ We’re proud of him.”

Jackson, 12 year old. He’s new to Boy Scout Troop 104 and Scoutmaster Gary Romich. He has been low-key about why his hair is long. Romich said “he’s a great scout. He is very enthusiastic, willing to help and eager to learn.”

Since Jackson’s haircut, Erin noticed differences in the way people treat him. Erin said “The first day back at school (Kings Mountain Intermediate), kids automatically started treating him like a pal. His teachers recognized him and gave him the applause. An older girl approached him at a skating birthday party.”