A feature story chronicles the life and challenges of Wayne State University graduating senior Victor Chukwueke who will speak at the University's May 5 commencement. Chukwueke has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumor growth in the nervous system. He has endured six surgeries that cut his head and face open to remove large deforming tumors. Kenneth Honn, a WSU professor of pathology, nominated Chukwueke to be a commencement speaker. \"Victor has braved situations and challenges that would humble many and that could have instilled self-doubt or insecurity,\" Honn wrote in his nomination letter. \"However, he created goals for his personal and academic life that he has systematically achieved with self-possession beyond his years. ... The personal example set by this genteel young man with a wicked sweet tooth is an inspiration to all who meet him.\" Chukwueke, who is from Nigeria, has not seen his parents or siblings in 10 years. He came to Michigan from Nigeria in 2001 for surgery. In the past 10 years, besides receiving medical care, he has earned a degree in biochemistry and chemical biology. Photos of Chukwueke are included.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110424/NEWS05/104240522/Wayne-State-University-student-s-story-hope-courage
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/breakingnews/wayne-state-commencement-features-student-from-nigeria-who-faced-severe-genetic-defect-120572939.html
http://frenchtribune.com/teneur/114724-nigerian-boy-combats-facial-tumors
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-speakingforhope,0,864822.story
http://www.allvoices.com/news/8881658-wayne-state-commencement-features-student-from-nigeria-who-faced-severe-genetic-defect
http://www.metro.us/newyork/world/article/841191--wayne-graduates-to-hear-nigerian-s-story-of-hope