Patrick Henry Hughes Does Not Have the Rudy Syndrome
This week's episode of the hit show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, highlighted the Hughes family from Louisville, Kentucky. The Hughes' eldest son, Patrick Henry, the focus of the show, serves as an inspiration to all who hear his story.
Patrick Henry Hughes, a 19 year old college student at the University of Louisville, was born with no eyes and a variety of physical conditions which confine him to a wheelchair. Yet, despite his physical difficulties, Patrick Henry has managed to attain a level of success in music and academics we can all admire. If you didn't see the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featuring Patrick Henry and his family, go to ABC and watch the full episode online. It is well worth the time.
Patrick Henry, named after his father, Patrick John, was a stellar student. He participated in the International Baccalaureate program in high school where he maintained a 3.99 GPA. He speaks fluent Spanish, was a member of the National Honor Society, and received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement from both President Clinton and President Bush.
Patrick Henry began playing piano at the age of 9 months under his father's direction as a way for he and his father to bond. He showed immediate musical gifting and went on to become an accomplished musician. He even studied under Julliard graduate, Hilda Ordman.
Today, he plays trumpet in the University of Louisville marching band. Recall he is confined to a wheel chair. He also has developed an incredible singing voice and has performed with some of the country's top pop and country artists.
So, how did he do it? How did Patrick Henry Hughes overcome being born with no eyes, the inability to fully extend his arms, and the inability to walk? How did he excel in school? How did he excel in music? It's simple. Patrick Henry Hughes developed his skill on par with his talent. He took every gift he had, and despite the odds against him, developed those gifts to the fullest extent possible. If he were five foot six and 135 pounds with no inherent football skill, he might just be named Rudy.
Yes, Patrick Henry Hughes is an inspiration. And, he does not have the Rudy Syndrome.
As a side note, Patrick John Henry is also an incredible inspiration. He has been his son's eyes and legs and has devoted himself entirely to ensuring his son's success. Their story should motivate each of us to strive for higher achievements at whatever level of ability we have been given.
Patrick Henry Hughes, a 19 year old college student at the University of Louisville, was born with no eyes and a variety of physical conditions which confine him to a wheelchair. Yet, despite his physical difficulties, Patrick Henry has managed to attain a level of success in music and academics we can all admire. If you didn't see the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featuring Patrick Henry and his family, go to ABC and watch the full episode online. It is well worth the time.
Patrick Henry, named after his father, Patrick John, was a stellar student. He participated in the International Baccalaureate program in high school where he maintained a 3.99 GPA. He speaks fluent Spanish, was a member of the National Honor Society, and received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement from both President Clinton and President Bush.
Patrick Henry began playing piano at the age of 9 months under his father's direction as a way for he and his father to bond. He showed immediate musical gifting and went on to become an accomplished musician. He even studied under Julliard graduate, Hilda Ordman.
Today, he plays trumpet in the University of Louisville marching band. Recall he is confined to a wheel chair. He also has developed an incredible singing voice and has performed with some of the country's top pop and country artists.
So, how did he do it? How did Patrick Henry Hughes overcome being born with no eyes, the inability to fully extend his arms, and the inability to walk? How did he excel in school? How did he excel in music? It's simple. Patrick Henry Hughes developed his skill on par with his talent. He took every gift he had, and despite the odds against him, developed those gifts to the fullest extent possible. If he were five foot six and 135 pounds with no inherent football skill, he might just be named Rudy.
Yes, Patrick Henry Hughes is an inspiration. And, he does not have the Rudy Syndrome.
As a side note, Patrick John Henry is also an incredible inspiration. He has been his son's eyes and legs and has devoted himself entirely to ensuring his son's success. Their story should motivate each of us to strive for higher achievements at whatever level of ability we have been given.
My husband, Hugh and I watched that program and were so touched and encouraged by Patrick Henry's story and accomplishments that we saved the recording to watch whenever we need to be uplifted and encouraged as my husband also deals with a disability. My husband may have the physical abilities that Patrick Henry does not, but struggles with a seizure disorder and the inability to communicate like anyone else due to brain damage many years ago. After seeing what this young man accomplished, Hugh feels he too will one day be able to do the things he is currently unable to do.
That was such a great song he sang at the end of the program. I only wished they wouldn't have interrupted him during it and saved their comments for after he finished. I also give much credit to his wonderful parents who didn't throw this young man aside upon learning what life dealt them but instead chose to see him as someone able to accomplish whatever they encouraged him to do. I thank God for parents like this.
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I agree, they should have let him sing the song without interruption! And, I could have written an entire article about his parents. We need more people like them in the world. Thanks for the comment. Atty Jones
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My name is Catherine I am fine today and just want to take care of business to the best of my ability. A person recently sent me an article about "poor" Britney Spears - I want a t-shirt that reads as follows:
i r nt BS, ru?
You young texters get it don't you - As far as I am concerned she should have stuck with Mickey Mouse and Justine! If you have the chance to visit Minneapolis, please enjoy the Walker Art Center and see what real artists do to cope with day to day life and art and living SOLO!!! God Bless America ~ CAT
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