Born with neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that threatens to rob him of his sight, Jeffrey Owen Hanson has endured many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation to help stabilise his vision. Despite his condition, the teenager has remained unflappable in his zestful approach to living.
Jeff, who resides in Overland Park, Kansas with his parents, Julie and Hal, creates colourful paintings in an unfinished basement studio with the help of high-powered lighting.
His art has caught the attention of collectors like Sir Elton, and movie director Harold Ramis.
Jeff often sells his pieces for charities, one being the EJAF.
Over the summer, he had a ''one night only'' show, attended by 450 guests.
Jeff created 136 original works for the fundraiser, and in four hours he managed to sell 118 of the 136 paintings.
He will donate $7,500 to the Kansas City Children's Mercy Hospital and $5,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation Baphumelele Children's Home in Khayelitsha, South Africa. He has previously donated 12 paintings for the home.
