Hope and Inspiration from Patrick Hughes
Patrick is a remarkable young man who was born
without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and
legs, making him unable to walk. Additionally, two steel rods were
surgically attached to Patrick's spine to correct scoliosis.
Despite
circumstances that seem overwhelming to you and me, Patrick has
overcome these physical issues to excel as a musician and student.
Patrick started playing the piano at the age of only nine months, and
also plays the trumpet and sings. He even participates in the University
of Louisville School of Music Marching and Pep Bands with help from his
father (Patrick John Hughes), who tirelessly maneuvers his wheel chair
through the formations with the other 220+ members of the Cardinal
Marching Band. Patrick is usually a straight 'A' student, having
received only 5 'B's' since 6th grade up to and including his sophomore
year of college.
A virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpet player,
Patrick has won or finished very high in numerous competitions, as well
as winning awards acknowledging the circumstances he has overcome to
achieve these heights.
He has been featured on ESPN, ABC-TV,
Oprah, CBS-TV, The Ellen Show, Extreme Make Over Home Edition, FOX-TV,
CSTV, NBC-TV, The Grand Ole Opry, People Magazine, Sports Illustrated,
Star Magazine, and many, many others.
Patrick has made
appearances from California to Chicago to New York and Miami and
countless points in between, even performing in Canada, South America
and Europe...
"I do not want the peace which passeth
understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace..."
Helen
Keller