WHAS11 coverage

Previous Story: The Hughes’ Extreme Home and amazing story revealed to a national audience

Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The nation got to meet Patrick Hughes and his family when ABC's Extreme Home Makeover picked them to receive a new home. This weekend there's an encore presentation.

Friday, WHAS11 sat down with the Hughes family to see how their lives have changed with their new home and since the nation met the family in February.

"In this house, I have gained much more independence. I'm able to, for example, do my homework more independently and I’ve gotten into the recording studio which has been lots of fun," said Patrick Henry.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes and without the use of his legs. Now, the fame that's come along with the Louisville family's appearance on Extreme Home Makeover helps them spread their positive outlook on life nationwide.

"You know, we all have problems and get overloaded with life's little struggles. A lot of people write to say how big they were making their own problems, but they saw Patrick and saw his attitude on life and what he struggles with, and doesn't struggle with, and it sort of put everything they do in perspective," said Patrick’s father, Patrick John Hughes.

The family has spent the past 8 months enjoying their new home and not missing the quirks of their old house.

"I’m no longer shoveling mud out of my old basement. All those flooding problems and other issues we had with the old house-the ones you didn't see on extreme makeover-are all taken care of. It’s just been an absolute blessing," added Patrick Henry’s father.

Well, what's next for Patrick Henry? He'll begin his junior year at the University of Louisville in the fall, where he's majoring in Spanish. He remains active, with the help of his father, in the marching band. He also has a book due out on October 20th, called 'I am potential'.

Truly an inspirational story, the episode of Extreme Home Makeover featuring the Hughes family will air again this Sunday night at 8 p.m. on WHAS11.

I am six years old, and I just watched your show, which my mom and dad taped. I loved it because it taught me a lesson. The lesson it taught me is to focus on your dream, and it doesn't matter what is on the outside. It matters what's on the inside. I love how you go for your dream and that you are so kind and generous. And I love how the people on the show were so nice to you and so kind and helped keep you and your family safe and happy.

I'm not a cryer, and honestly Extreme Makeover always seems to be kind of cheesy and dramatic. But this family was a major exception. I didn't make it past 19 minutes into the show. Obviously the whole family is amazing, but I hope that father knows what a great man he is. To commit to his family like that, and to be so selfless. The idea of it, combined with the image of them on the practice field with the band, brought me to tears. I hope you read this, Mr. Hughes, and know that you're a great man and a great father.

I really thought that this was a sweet thing to do, and im glad that a family like theirs got to share that special moment.

have seen alot of the shows but this one was s pecial consudering t was in my home town

Way to go, Patrick! I took care of you in the NICU, and while I gave up trying to predict kids a while back, I never anticipated the wonder that you would become. Thanks for giving us a reason to keep doing what we do.

I think that it is great. But what about all the other people out there, in KY or elsewhere, who are just as deserving? I don't think U of L should have given all 3 of their boys a fullride scholarship! My son goes to UL and he doesn't get any help, unless you include that his mother and I pay for his schooling, as well as his older brother who is attendind WKU. It is VERY tough on us to make these payments. We can't even afford to paint our house or other regular maintenance issues.

I would like to first start by saying what an inspiration Patrick Henry is to me and as well should be to anyone that watched this show. I also feel that all kids should watch this show to know that just because they didn't get something they want-there are bigger and better things ahead if they are only patient and wait, their life could be worse. I really want to say as a parent myself what wonderful parents the Hughes parents are. John-the time and love you have given over the years to make sure that Patrick has had the things in his life to make him as much like everyone around him as possible is extraordinary. I know some men that have been in my life and there are other men out there that could take lessons from you. I hope your family lets you know everyday just wonderful you are. For Mrs. Hughes-as a mother myself, I think it is great that you have figured out a way to make sure all your boys have all the love they need. I'm sure it is difficult to spread yourself so thin for all of them, when you have one that needs a lot of your time. To the brothers-I hope your parents and each of your brothers know just how lucky they are to have brothers they can depend on and that are there for each other for support. I hope that after watching the show-we all took a piece of your family with us. Patrick-you truly are an inspiration!!!! You have a beautiful God given talent, please try your hardest to get it out to the world so we can all share it. Thank you for living in Kentucky and letting the world know how great we are!

I am still moved by the show of the Hughes family. What a wonderful story, I am sorry I did not tape it. He and the entire family are an inspiration to me and many other families. I would love to have copies of his music.
Thank you for choosing this family and sharing their story with the world.

We have watched Extreme Home for several years now and this one was the most moving of all. My grandchildren watch and asked questions and learnt so much from Patrick's story. They were so moved by it we already have the date down to see him perform in Perrysburg Ohio, which is only 45 minutes away from us. To the staff of Extreme Home Makeover you are so wonderful to everyone you meet and we comment on you wonderful work to others!!

Hughes Family, All the best to you all. You are such a deserving family and as we all know God works wonders. Keep up the positive life and always remember everyday and every opportunity in life is a gift. I'm so happy to see you appreciate the gifts you have. God Bless you all.

To the Amazing Hughes Family, My family and I want to express our admiration of your family for the amazing way you have chosen to live your lives not for just your family but for others that you feel need you more. I wanted to tell you how very beautiful your kids are and the two kids besides Patrick Henry is the most unselfish kids I know. They could be jealous of the attention that Patrick gets but it doesn't seem to be a probelm so my hat is off to them for their understanding. Would you please tell Patrick that I said WHEN he records his first CD, would someone notify me so that my family and I can get one. Ask him to please include the song he sang at the end of the show. It brought tears to my eyess. Brooks and Dunn released that song but they can't sing it with the conviction and love that Patrick did. We stand waitting to hear from anyone of you about when HE records his CD. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love that I felt from that show. I felt as though I had been knowing your family for years and it would be my honor to meet you all one day. May God Ever So Richly and Sweetly Bless All all of you.

Dear Hughes Family,
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. I too watch Extreme Makeover but never have I seen a more passionate family. The love you have for each other was overwhelming. You are an inspiration to us all.

The song that Patrick sang at the end of the show "I Believe" by Brooks and Dunn was wonderful. He seems to be an amazing and talented young man. I can understand the diffuculites my grandmother is blind also and I know the struggles that she's went thru and to see him as such an inspiration is wonderful. To the Hughes family CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Pat--just a note to tell you that old friends in Lexington were amazed and touched beyond belief to be "with you" and your incredible family through Extreme Home Makeover. We send you--and the show--our love and admiration.
Kay Collier (Slone) McLaughlin
Diane Slone
Laura Slone Newsome

I have watched Extreme Makeover for several years and have seen many touching ones. But I have to agree with hundreds or even thousands of others who say that this show moved me beyond words. Patrick Henry Hughes has a heart of gold. All of us should listen to his words over and over until they grip our hearts. What a blessings he is. I know that he has learned how to love people from his parents. Hughes family you are quite an inspiration! May God bless you always!

Don't get me wrong, I am happy for the Hughes family. However, my opinion is instead of 1 family getting a million dollar home, 5 needy families could have received a $200,000 home each. I understand the reason the show is named "Extreme Make-Over" but really, how can they justify it? 1 family vs. 5 familes.

As a Special Education Teacher I am so proud of what the Extreme Team did for this family to help them get the adequate equipment for Patrick Henry so he can continue to prosper and reach his goals of composing music and becoming less dependent on his parents. Its people like Patrick Henry who inspire us all to stop whining about what we do not have and celebrate what we do have. Just think of what our world could accomplish if we all thought like Patrick Henry. If we were all so generous as everyone who volunteered. Our world needs to not forget the kindness, the love, and the unity that occurred during the week the Extreme Team came to Louisville. They too are inspiring and are caring. I had the opportunity to meet them briefly and was touched about how personal they are to get to know everyone they come in contact with. My hat goes off to everyone involved and Keep inspiring us all Patrick Henry!

The house is amazing, as is this whole family. You can feel how much love there is in this family. Patrick you are so well spoken as well as talented, I see great things ahead for you and your brothers. Louisville wishes all you the very best. May God continue to bless you and may you be an inspiration for others. Thanks for sharing your story with America.

Patrick Henry Hughes is a special person with the insight and talent far beyond any ever recognized. I have watched the show on and off for a long time, but nothing has touched my heart like this show. Patrick said, "I am lucky because I don't see color or what a person looks like on the outside." THAT IS PROFOUND.

Hello Hughes Family:
My wife and I cannot tell you how happy we are for all of you. John you are one of the finest examples of a great man and we learned so much from your story. We wish you the very best in the future and remember"You can do just about anything"
Mike & Karen from NH

Share your comments for the Hughes family