Jude, 13, is extraordinary in every sense of the word. About three years ago, his father, Isaiah, heard piano music coming from the family’s basement. At first, Isaiah thought the beautiful melody was coming from the television or a radio. But much to his surprise, Isaiah discovered that it was Jude playing the instrument expertly despite never having taken a lesson. From there, as they say, the rest was history.

After discovering his passion for playing the piano, Jude quickly became an exceptional musician, an amazing feat considering the challenges he has faced in his young life. He has gone on to perform with famous musicians and regularly performs on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Weighing only 2 pounds, Jude was born prematurely with numerous complex conditions, including a hole in his heart, which required surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado when he was a baby. Today, Jude is cared for in the Children’s Colorado Special Care Clinic to address a variety of symptoms and conditions across several different specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology, and ophthalmology, and receives therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Daniel’s Music Foundation recently awarded Jude with a Danny Award, which recognizes exceptionally talented musicians and challenges society to think differently about performers with disabilities.