But his father, Patrick John Hughes, noticed something special very early. When Patrick was just nine months old, his dad sat him at the piano, and he took to music right away.
He grew up to play the piano, sing and play the trumpet.
When Patrick started at the University of Louisville, the director of the marching band had an idea: why not join the band? There was just one problem. How do you march when you can’t walk?
His dad found a way.
He took the night shift at UPS so he could go to classes with his son during the day. Then, at every practice and every game, he pushed Patrick’s wheelchair through the formations while Patrick played.
The two Patricks marched together for five seasons. Crowds cheered them at every game, and Patrick went on to sing and play at the Grand Ole Opry and on stage with stars like Faith Hill.
Ask his dad about it, and he’ll turn it right around: “He’s my hero.”
Patrick graduated magna cum laude in 2010. Today, a national award for band parents is named after his father.
Watch them on the field together. It will stay with you.
Who sacrificed the most to help you chase your dreams? Tell us below.
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