Holiday Heroes: Ringing in the holidays with a haircut at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Every holiday has its unsung hero, and AOL's video series "Holiday Heroes" highlights those individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

At the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Richard Cornish is spreading joy this holiday season by glamming up both the children and their families. Cornish, who is the hospital's salon services coordinator, has a mission to provide salon services to the patients and their caretakers and make them feel better.

“There is something magical about a hairstylist," Cornish told AOL Lifestyle. "It’s something that makes them feel important, it’s something that makes them feel appreciated, and it makes them feel normal.”

“A haircut gives them more strength," he continued. "If you feel like you look better, then you can fight harder. And for the parents it gives them a bit of self care that they wouldn’t otherwise have, especially if their kids are as sick as some of these kids are."

Cornish doesn't just provide services to the children, but to their families as well.

“Of course, in this situation with our child it’s hard to take care of ourselves and provide some self care,” said CHOP parent Travis, who’s young daughter Elsie has been battling a rare lymphatic disease for 19 months.

Echoed one of the hospital's child life specialists, “A lot of parents have a hard time leaving the bedside." Something as little as a haircut or chair massage can go miles.

Check out their incredible project in today's episode of Holiday Heroes!