Redesigning Life: How Todd Hanson Reframed his Race against Time

When life strips away the very things that define us, what is left? For Todd Hanson — a passionate architect and a fiercely competitive marathoner who logged over 75,000 miles in his lifetime — the answer wasn’t surrender. It was a profound reframing of his purpose.

After being diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease similar to ALS, Todd eventually could no longer walk and speak. He was forced to navigate a world that wasn’t built for him, experiencing firsthand the isolation and physical barriers that millions in the disability community face every day. But as his physical mobility declined, his vision for a more inclusive world came into sharp focus.

In two powerful talks (links below), Todd shares his extraordinary journey through two distinctly different lenses:

First, he approaches his diagnosis as an architect. He reveals how losing his mobility exposed the hidden hurdles of our modern world, inspiring him to champion “Universal Design” and create environments that truly welcome everyone. Then, he approaches his diagnosis as an athlete. In a deeply moving reflection on identity, Todd discusses the emotional battle of shedding his ego, letting go of his self-image as a runner, and discovering that true strength lies not in independence, but in community.

Together, these talks offer a masterclass in resilience, empathy and the importance of inclusive design. Follow Todd’s presentations below to learn how he turned a life-altering diagnosis into a blueprint for a better, more connected world and why we should never take life’s simplest gifts for granted.

TEDxPortsmouth – Losing the ability to walk and talk opened an architect’s eyes, 21 July 2022.
CreativeMornings – Reframing Our Race against Time, 25 July 2026.

By Todd Hanson
Passionate Architect and Marathoner