A visually impaired artist who raised funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and many other organisations has died.
Jeffrey Owen Hanson was diagnosed with a new brain tumour a couple of months ago, associated with his rare genetic condition, neurofibromatosis.
In October 2007, Hanson’s Make a Wish was granted when he met Sir Elton at the Kansas City Sprint Center Grand Opening.
The young artist surprised Elton with a thousand dollar donation for the EJAF, raised by selling hand-painted note cards.
Three years later, Jeffrey attended the EJAF’s White Tie and Tiara summer gala, where he was inspired to create a painting called Old Windsor Estate, based on his host’s 37-acre estate, as well as the garden party.
His paintings were seen in the homes of collectors across the globe, with Elton, Susan Sarandon, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. among them. The Kansas resident’s work generated more than $6 million in donations, and he was a named a People magazine ”Hero Among Us.”
Jeffrey was just 27 years old.
