The UpBeat, Powered by CoachArt
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With Laughter, There is Hope
In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director
and host Greg has the chance to chat with Derek Hughes, a “stand-up magician” who performs
live all across the country and has appeared on numerous TV shows, including America’s Got
Talent (where he was a finalist on season 10). Derek was also a featured performer at our 2019
CoachArt Gala of Champions.
As a child, Derek was born prematurely with an atrial septal defect — a hole between two
chambers of his heart. Derek shares the amazing story of how he overcame this challenging
condition and how his love of magic and performing helped him along the way. He also
discusses tips for how kids with chronic illnesses can find their passion and how his involvement
with the CoachArt Gala of Champions impacted his life and his work.