The Hughes Family Louisville, Kentucky Episode aired Feb. 17, 2008
Patrick Henry Hughes is a 22-year-old student at the University of Louisville. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, he’s also a member of the school’s marching and pep band. What makes him unique from his academic peers, however, is that he’s blind and relies on a wheelchair to get around. Born without eyes, Patrick Henry also lacks the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs, leaving him unable to walk. Despite these challenges, Patrick Henry has embraced life to its fullest with help from his parents, Patricia and Patrick John, and his brothers: Jesse, age 19, and Cameron, 14. In an inspirational display of affection and support, Patrick Henry’s father maneuvers his wheelchair through the marching band formations while he plays the trumpet. 68
Off the field, Patrick Henry had difficulty navigating the Hughes’s humble home in his wheelchair, and the walls showed the impact of many bumps and scrapes. Because Patrick John gave up his career to stay home and tend to his son’s needs, money for home-improvement projects was scarce.