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Recognizing and Honoring Richard Cornish for his work in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he gives of his time styling the hair of both patients and caregivers for the Salon Services Program, which raises morale and instills joy and dignity in those receiving his services.
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WHEREAS, A native of Oklahoma, Richard Cornish moved to Philadelphia at the age of 18 with big dreams. He began working at the Center City hair studio Panache as an assistant, and with hard-work and dedication he eventually became one of the City’s top hair stylists; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cornish is currently, the coordinator for the Salon Services Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The program was made possible by the generous donation from the Gottschalchs, a family with their own experience of spending long hours in the Hospital looking after their sick child; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cornish started as a volunteer at CHOP until he became an official employee when the Salon Services Program was created. He now works two and a half days a week providing his hair styling services to patients and their families in the Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cornish and his colleague Amy Moore, provide special buzz cuts to patients who are suffering from hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, twice a month, they give parents and caregivers in the Oncology Unit free haircuts and blowouts. This service offers a much-needed moment of relaxation to those who are continually putting their needs aside for the benefit of their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Mr. Cornish provides his services to other units in the Hospital, including the Rehab Unit, where a new cut can help uplift a teenager recovering from addiction. He also consults with transgender youth and assists them in creating their new looks that are more aligned with their gender identity; and
WHEREAS, These pop-up salons at CHOP give caregivers and patients hope and enables many patients to feel more like “everyday people” and temporarily forget their surroundings; and
WHEREAS, Mr, Cornish has expressed that this service is “important because these people don’t take care of themselves…it’s something that makes me feel amazing because I get to give my gift to these people who are probably in more need of that gift than anyone”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Richard Cornish for his work in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he gives of his time styling the hair of both patients and caregivers for the Salon Service Program, which raises morale and instills joy and dignity in those receiving his services.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Richard Cornish as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia’s gratitude, admiration, and recognition.
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