Michael believed in everything and everyone. He dreamed big dreams like going to college, driving a car, having a family. He also dreamed small dreams like reading and writing all of his brothers and sisters names. For him his small dreams were as big as his big dreams. Michael suffered from Dyslexia. Dyslexia has to do with how the brain organizes what the eyes see and the ears hear. The condition is such that traditional methods of teaching reading will not work with a person with dyslexia.

Michael died in 1993 at the age of 9 never fully being able to accomplish his small or big dreams. However, his tenacity, his will and determined to accomplish the impossible in his life and for his life lives on.

The word impossible for Michael was just a big word used by small people who find it easier to live in the world they have been given than to explore the power they have to change it.

Michael knew that one day he would read. He wanted the power to change his life. Through reading, Michael was taught that he could change his life, that of his family, and the world. Michael’s dream lives on.

The Michael A. Hughes Memorial Foundation is dedicated to preserving the determination and spirit of students who suffer from Dyslexia or similar learning disabilities as well as physical disabilities as Michael also suffered from a rare heart condition. We believe that young people with desire should be encouraged to pursue their dreams. We do not believe that young people should be discouraged from the pursuit of their dreams because of a physical or learning disability. Therefore, The Foundation offers young people of all ages with chances to continue to pursue their dreams by providing scholarships to reading camps and continuing education programs.

I, on behalf of the Foundation would like to thank you in advance for your support. We are looking to raise $100,000 in the next 5 years to improve our service and enhance resources given to more students. We have an exciting next 5 years ahead of us… and we are glad you have chosen to join us.

Thank you,

Geralynne Brandon