Button Boy Crusades To Help Save His Sister

by Jennifer Hudspeth
October 19, 2011 9:20 PM


For many of us, learning how to put others first can be a tough task, but for one 6-year-old entrepreneur, it's become second nature. Landon Hansen hopes that by putting his sister first, he can save her life. He's already started his own business with the goal of finding a cure for a dibilitating disease.

"It says 'Kate's Button boy'," says Hansen.

It's an unual nickname, but Landon is anything but ordinary. He puts his noggin to good use. For the Button Boy, a picture of the brain takes on an entirely different meaning.

"It means to me, Juvenile Huntington's Disease of the brain.  It affects the DNA, and then it goes up to the brain," said Landon.

Landon and his sister, Kate, have always been close. But, when Kate was diagnosed with a disease that will ultimately cut her life short, Landon became a man on a mission.

"He says to me, 'Well it's a disease so you can just take medicine, right Mom?' And that was the first time that Landon really understood this is a life changing event, it's not just 'Sissy is sick'," says Tara Hansen, Landon's mom.

Two years ago, at age 18, Kate was told she has less than a decade to live. Juvenile Huntington's Disease will cause her brain to deteriorate, leaving her unable to talk and confined to a bed.  

"If she doesn't get that cure, she'll be buried and other kids," said Landon

Kate's fate is where the buttons come into to play.

"These two are like the same, except they're different because it has ribbons, that just says 'Kate's Button Brothers'," says Landon.

Landon hands them out everywhere he goes.

"They're for free, but you can make donations," explained Landon.

But, that's not all. For the Button Boy, business turns into anything he can get his hands on.

"Now, the bracelets cost money," says Landon.

He sells an assortment of jewelry and even collects cans. So far, he's raised around $800. It's his way of fighting back.

"Kick Juvenile Huntington's butt!" exclaimed Landon.

All jokes aside, he hopes his buttons will keep the bond he has with his sister alive.

"I think this is the way that he's dealing with it, and in return he's actually helping all of us deal with it," says Tara.

All of the money Landon raises will be donated to the Juvenile Huntington's Initiative, which will go toward research. If you would like to purchase some of Landon's accessories please send an e-mail to tanyon_24@yahoo.com

There will be a Dad's Belgian Waffles Benefit for Kate on October 22nd from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. It will be held at The Top of the Cue in Rock Valley, IA.

All proceeds will go to Katelyn and her family to help pay for medical expenses and equipment.