Jeff's Charities
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Jeff was granted his Make-A-Wish to meet Sir Elton John on October 13, 2007 at the Grand Opening of the Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. Never did Jeff realize that "just meeting" Sir Elton would change his life. Jeff quickly learned that Elton also had a passion to "make a difference in the world". Jeff plans to keep learning from Elton and other giving people about generosity and philanthropy. Jeff donates original painted canvases, "Sight For Sore Eyes" and "Jeff's Favorites" note cards and his calendar to local Make-A-Wish fundraisers.
Mission Statement:
To grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Facts:
- Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has reached more than 163,000 children around the world.
- Make-A-Wish grants a wish every 40 minutes.
- An average wish costs $6,600
- Currently 75% of the Make-A-Wish children live to adulthood.
- There are 4 kinds of wishes:
- "I want to be"....
- "I want to see"....
- "I want to have"....
- "I want to meet"...
Children's Tumor Foundation
Ending Neurofibromatosis Through Research
At age six, Jeff was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body. Jeff lives with an optic chiasmal tumor (1:40,000) that has impaired his vision. (Jeff can see the big "E" on the eye chart). In 2005/2006, Jeff underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment to preserve his remaining vision. During treatment, Jeff began painting water color note cards, which eventually evolved into acrylic note cards, titled "VISIONS" Note Cards by Jeff. And, today Jeff paints large contemporary, brightly colored abstract canvases. Jeff's painting supports research for optic tumors in children with Neurofibromatosis. And, he annually donates a canvas to The Children's Tumor Foundation Gala Benefit in New York City.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Children's Tumor Foundation, Inc. is to improve the well-being of patients and families affected by NF1, NF2 and Schwannomatosis. The Foundation sponsors scientific research aimed at finding the causes and cures for the neurofibromatoses, promotes the development of clinical activities, works to create public awareness and provides patient support services.
Facts:
- Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetically determined disorder which affects 100,000 Americans.
- One baby in every 3,000 is born with NF.
- Neurofibromatosis is worldwide in distribution; it affects both sexes equally and has no particular racial, geographic or ethnic distribution.
Elton John AIDS Foundation
During chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Jeff decided his ultimate “MAKE-A-WISH” was “to meet Sir Elton John.” Jeff had always enjoyed Elton’s music, but more importantly he admired Elton for his boundless energy and dedication to fight the HIV/AIDS global epidemic.
On October 13, 2007, Jeff’s MAKE-A-WISH to meet Sir Elton John became a reality. Backstage at a Kansas City concert, Jeff surprised Elton with a check for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
Jeff shared information with Elton about his fundraiser for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Together the two discussed what each other was currently doing for their cause. From that moment on, Jeff pledged to forever support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Elton invited Jeff to paint for the Elton John AIDS Foundation “cluster homes” in South Africa. Jeff is honored and excited to know his paintings will bring some joy to South African families afflicted with AIDS.
Mission Statement:
To empower people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS; to alleviate their physical, emotional and financial hardship, enabling them to improve their quality of life, live with dignity and exercise self determination.
Facts:
- In 2007, an estimated 33.2 million people around the world were living with HIV.
- Some 2.5 million adults and children were newly infected with the virus in 2007.
- 2.1 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2007.
- Worldwide, there are more than 15 million children orphaned by AIDS.
Kansas City Blind All-Stars Foundation
Foundation for the Kansas State School for the Blind...
A 501 (c)(3) Not For Profit Organization
Jeff fully understands that he may be blind one day. But for now, he remains a happy, learning visually impaired student at the Kansas State School for the Blind. Visioned or blinded, Jeff will forever give to those who cannot fully see our world.
Project 604:
In May of 2008, Jeff and his mother Julie took on an enormous fundraising project for the Kansas City Blind All-Stars (KCBAS) Foundation, which they titled “PROJECT 604”. Jeff diligently hand painted 604 note cards to all Kansas ophthalmologists and optometrists. Enclosed in each card was a “Technology Wish List”, a letter from Jeff requesting a tax deductible donation to the KCBAS Foundation, and his biography.
“It is important for me to help support the KC Blind All-Stars Foundation because they are offering new opportunities for those with blindness,” says Jeff.
Madeleine Burkindine, Superintendent for the Kansas State School for the Blind and Vice President of the KC Blind All-Stars Foundation expresses “I am beyond thrilled. The efforts of one person can inspire us all. This is a student with a clear purpose in life – helping others. The critically needed funds will go toward programs that provide students with blindness and visual impairments access to print through expensive assistive technology and supports critical academic and employment goals of the Foundation.”
"Among adults who are blind or visually impaired, unemployment is at 70%. The KCBAS Foundation is completely focused on raising funds to support research, technology and programs to combat the high unemployment issue for those living with visual impairment,” says Kelly Myers, President of the KC Blind All-Stars Foundation. “With people like Jeff Hanson on your side, you never know what is around the corner.”
