When asked how he would describe his disabilities, Patrick Henry Hughes replied, "[They're] not disabilities at all—more [like] abilities."

Patrick was born without eyes and with a disease that makes it impossible for him to extend his arms or legs. Patrick's parents were devastated that their son would never lead a normal life. But when he was just nine months old, Patrick surprised everyone by exhibiting an unusual talent for music.

By the age of two, Patrick could play simple melodies on the piano. Patrick's father found great hope in his son's talent. "I was just ecstatic," he says of the discovery, because music gave the two a common bond. "We're not going to play baseball, but we're going to play music together."

Patrick's abilities were not limited to music. He was fluent in Spanish in high school, was a member of the National Honor Society, and maintained a nearly perfect GPA. But it was his musical ability that captured the public's attention. In fact, when Patrick headed to the University of Louisville in 2006, his reputation preceded him. Dr. Greg Byrne, the university's Associate Director of Bands, invited Patrick to join the marching band. At first, Patrick was incredulous. "How in the heck am I supposed to march?" he asked.

Patrick's father was committed to making it work, though. He said, "If Dr. Byrne's so impassioned about it and Patrick wants to do it, then—by golly—I'll give it my all as well." With that, the Hughes father/son team became full participants in the university's 214-member marching band. Patrick played the trumpet, while his father hurried him across the field in formation. Other band members helped Patrick's father whenever he fell out of step.

Mr. Hughes' participation in Patrick's college experience comes at extraordinary cost. Present at every band practice and all of Patrick's classes, Mr. Hughes works the graveyard shift for UPS. He leaves for work late in the evening, returns early the next morning, and after a few hours of sleep, begins Patrick's full college schedule. Patrick's mom works full time to provide for their other children and takes care of all of Patrick's medical needs.

The Hughes family is happy to make the sacrifices. "He's my hero," Mr. Hughes says of his son. "What he goes through—it's taught me that I don't really have any complaints. I guess a father couldn't ask for anything more than the relationship I have with Patrick."

Patrick expresses the same incredible optimism. "God made me blind and unable to walk. Big deal! He gave the musical gifts I have and the great opportunity to meet new people."

In fact, Patrick considers his blindness a particular blessing. "I don't see the skin color," he says. "I don't see the hair length, I don't see the eye shape; I just see what's inside the person."