This fundraiser is being started with the help of Troy Hanson’s family and friends to support him during the fight of his life. As many of you may know, Troy was diagnosed last year with colorectal cancer. Since receiving that diagnosis, he has endured an incredibly difficult journey—multiple surgeries and medical procedures, repeated hospital stays, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing complications that have left him exhausted and in significant pain. Through it all, Troy continues to fight with every ounce of strength he has.
Troy recently moved to Iowa to be surrounded by family while receiving treatment in both Des Moines and at the Mayo Clinic. While his focus needs to be on healing, the physical toll of cancer has been compounded by a growing financial burden after being unable to work for the last year.
If you know Troy, you know that to know him is to love him!
Troy is one of those rare people whose warmth, generosity, and integrity leave a lasting mark on everyone he meets. He has always been the person who shows up first when someone needs help, and often long before they even ask. Loyal, humble (thanks to those South Dakota roots), endlessly kind, and quick with a dry sense of humor, Troy has spent his life making things better for the people around him.
Professionally, Troy is deeply respected throughout the design industry. As cofounder of WestEdge Design Fair, he helped build not only a successful event, but a true creative community, one rooted in collaboration, encouragement, and opportunity. He championed emerging designers and established talent alike with equal enthusiasm, always making space for others to shine. Long before that, Troy helped launch the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York, where his beloved “MADE” section became a celebrated platform for independent makers and artists. He even had a client name a chandelier after him, another reflection of how loved he is.
But those accomplishments only tell part of the story.
The people who know Troy best know the countless quieter moments that define who he is: the errands run for others without being asked, the extra mile traveled without hesitation, the way he sacrifices his own comfort to make someone else’s life easier. He has always led with kindness over ego, generosity over convenience, and grace over recognition.
He has been a steadfast friend, trusted colleague, beloved son and family member, and the kind of person who makes people feel seen, supported, and cared for.
Now Troy needs us.
The out-of-pocket medical expenses, treatment-related travel, and daily living costs during this prolonged illness have become overwhelming. By contributing to this fundraiser, you can help ease not only the financial burden, but also some of the emotional stress that comes with it—allowing Troy to focus his energy where it belongs: on healing and continuing this fight.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference right now.
If Troy has ever encouraged you, supported your business, made you laugh, lent a hand, or simply made your life better in some way, this is an opportunity to show up for him the way he has shown up for so many others.
Please consider donating, sharing this page, and leaving Troy a message of encouragement. While he may not always have the energy to respond, his family is sharing your words with him, and your support will remind him that he is surrounded by love and not facing this battle alone.
Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support. It means more than words can express.