JULY 14, 2008
Patrick Henry Hughes 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. Patrick henry
hughes shot to fame when his family was chosen by ABC Extreme Home Makeover to receive
a new home.
Apparently, the Hughes are thankful and they say their lives have changed for better but it is the
society and country at large who has been benefited by knowing about the inspirational story of
Patrick Henry Hughes.
“In this house, I have gained much more independence. I‟m able to, for example, do my
homework more independently and I‟ve gotten into the recording studio which has been lots of
fun,” said Patrick Henry.
His father, Patrick John said, “It‟s amazing how fast they get a home at and a lot of people want
to know how solid of a home can it be if they put it up in five days, and the truth of the matter is
because of the materials, they use a lot of times it‟s more sturdy that a regular construction site
would be?”
His website tells ” 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