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It would've been easy for Jeff Hanson to mourn at the tender age of 12 when doctors discovered an optic tumor that helped explain why he was losing his vision, but the soon-to-be philanthropist had a better idea.

He became a self-described "accidental artist" showing others how he saw the world with vibrant illustrations, first on note cards before moving to canvas paintings and later to designs for women's dresses.

Seven years later, with roughly 1,300 paintings under his belt, Hanson has reached a goal originally set on his 19th birthday: to reach $1 million in donations for charities by the time he was 20. He did it with time to spare, reaching the mark at the annual Make-a-Wish Gala in North Texas earlier this year. He turns 20 on Sept. 30.

"I thought it would be good to give back to the world and not use it for myself," the Overland Park, Kan., man says. He points out the effort was never actually about the money, but the help it would provide. "My art makes people happy."

A large portion of the funds were raised by donating paintings to more than 100 organizations including Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Children's Tumor Foundationand Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Hanson and his family also make sure to keep a small portion to support Jeff and his business, Jeffery Owen Hanson LLC, created by the time he was 17.

David Williams, CEO of Make-a-Wish Foundation, says there are many young philanthropists and former Make-a-Wish kids like Hanson who use their condition and sometimes even their wishes to make a difference.

"You almost have to look deeper into some of the wishes that are granted," he says. "So often there's a lot more to it."

Kristin Elliot, 18, of Richmond, Texas, has cancer and used her wish in 2008 to build an orphanage in Zambia. Another girl used her wish to engrave small gifts for friends and family. Most kids want to do something that would benefit others or their friends and family, Williams says. "It's pretty remarkable."