Nigerian man with Neurofibromatosis to give WSU commencement

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Victor Chukwueke suffers from Neurofibromatosis which caused a benign tumor on the right side of his face as a young boy.
Growing up in Nigeria, medical facilities were not available to fix Chukwueke’s tumor as it grew, leaving him with a severe facial deformity.

Chukwueke, however, considers his disease a gift. It was the reason he came to the United States.

Ten years ago a local missionary nun from Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy saw Victor in Nigeria and arranged for him to live in Michigan and undergo facial surgery.

Six painful surgeries later, one that included the loss of his right eye, progress is being made. However Chukwueke’s improvements have come at a price; he hasn’t seen his family since the day he left Nigeria 10 years ago.

"I don’t know know anything... I don’t know how they look. I I don’t even know if I would recognize them… it’s been a long time," said Chukwueke.

Chukwueke has recently been selected as a speaker at the Wayne State University Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement this coming May. It’s an honor bestowed upon him due to his excellent grades and inspirational story.

It’s an honor he wishes his family members could witness.

You can help bring Chukweke’s mother and sister to WSU’s May commencement by donating at your local Fifth Third Bank. All donations will go toward their travel expenses.