Patrick Henry Hughes shares his inspiring story in Cape Girardeau

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and a tightening of the joints that made him unable to fully extend his arms or legs. Despite being unable to see or walk, he never let his disorder prevent him from living his life to its fullest potential.

Hughes is going into his junior year at the University of Louisville, where he is a virtuoso pianist and vocalist, and trumpet player with the university's marching band.

At only 20 years old, he has become an inspiration to many and not simply because of his musical talents.

For two years, Hughes and his father, Patrick John Hughes, have been traveling the country, delivering motivational speeches about overcoming life's obstacles. On Friday, they will visit Cape Girardeau to deliver a presentation called "Music with a Message" at 7 p.m. at Cape First Church.

Hughes' message is simple: use the abilities you have to follow your dreams. He will play three or four songs on the piano, showing first-hand how he never let his disorder hinder him from following his passion for music.

Hughes took an interest in the piano at only 9 months.

"I was old enough to sit up at the piano, so my dad pulled up an old high chair, and I just started playing each key and learning what each note sounded like," he said.

By 2 years of age, he could play full songs on the piano just by listening to them.

He began playing the trumpet in fourth grade. After years of private lessons and with the help of his father, he is now a member of the University of Louisville Marching Band.

The elder Hughes spends hours pushing his son in a wheelchair around the field, learning the routine and formations with the rest of the band. Hughes said his father's endless dedication to help him grow and learn as a student, musician and speaker has been his biggest inspiration.

"There are days that I feel like I don't want to go to class or do marching band, but then I realize that when Dad was working at UPS he was only getting four or five hours a sleep, and I do all this on a full night's sleep," Hughes said.

He said his father is now on a no-pay leave of absence from work so that he can help him with school and band.

Their relationship has inspired people across the world. They have been featured on "Oprah," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "Good Morning America" and "ABC World News Tonight." The TV reality show "Extreme Make Over: Home Edition" transformed the family's house into a wheelchair-friendly home.

Hughes recently wrote a book "I Am Potential — Eight Lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching Your Dreams." It's due for release Oct. 20.

He said it has been a good accomplishment, but that it's not going to change who he is.

"I will continue to be as I am now — just an ordinary guy living my life," Hughes said.

Tickets are $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. All proceeds from the visit will help with costs for the Southeast Suzuki Strings to travel to Singapore for the Singapore International String Conference in December.

Purchase tickets by phone at 651-2265 or at www.metrotix.com. To purchase Hughes' CD or to learn more about his upcoming book, visit www.patrickhenryhughes.com.

WANT TO GO?

n When: 7 p.m. Friday

• Where: Cape First Church
• Tickets: Call 651-2285 or go online to www.metrotix.com