Stanley Nwachuku is flanked by Ray Sikorski, president of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club (left) and Jim Brady, president of RotaCare and past Club president. RotaCare is a project of Rotary District 7250 and is a 501(c)(3) organization. The mission of RotaCare is to facilitate free medical care and medications for the uninsured, homeless and working poor at its facility in Uniondale. Following, is the heart-warming story of Stanley Nwachuku, a young student from Nigeria who while attending college in Nigeria, was viciously attacked and left for dead. It is the story of how through the efforts of RotaCare, and the many volunteer organizations and entities that Stanley may look forward to full rehabilitation and life as a teacher.

The attack on Stanley Nwachuku occurred in February of 2005 when seven cult members beat him, cut off his ear and poured sulfuric acid down his throat and all over his body. Stanley was left for dead and subsequently spent nine painful months in a Nigerian hospital.

Stanley was attacked because of his religious beliefs and anti-cult activities. "Black magic" cults are a major problem in Nigeria and along with Stanley, other members of his family had also been attacked. However, Stanley's injuries were so extensive they could not be treated in Nigeria, so he began contacting relief organizations in other countries while hiding out to avoid a repeat attack by the same cult.

Stanley Nwachuku enthralls Rotarians with a repertoire of original piano compositions. The Global Medical Relief Fund partnered with a Buffalo foundation to bring Stanley to the U.S. to begin extensive treatments and numerous surgeries. The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group in Garden City, North Shore University Hospital and New York Presbyterian Hospital partnered to perform the many additional surgeries required.

RotaCare has been and is providing the medications and related education needed by Stanley for his recovery. Family and Children's Association and the Program for Survivors of Torture are helping him assimilate into our society and return to a normal life. Hofstra University's Political Asylum Clinic helped Stanley obtain political asylum; St. Ignatius Retreats House has provided for all of Stanley's other needs - particularly housing and meals.

Stanley dreams of completing his surgeries and rehabilitation, regaining his eyesight (he has a prosthetic eye and ear), finishing college, and becoming a teacher. He also loves music and plays the piano by ear. Several months ago, Stanley was invited to speak at the RocaCare Ball in celebration of its 15th anniversary. His moving story touched the hearts of all in attendance - including George Engelke, an honoree and husband of Sandy Engelke, a member of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club.

Jim Brady, Club member and president of RotaCare invited Stanley to speak for the Mineola-Garden City Rotarians at a subsequent lunch meeting of the Club at the Garden City Hotel. Attending was Rotacare honoree George Engelke who had been so touched by Stanley's story and wished to be present. As a tribute to Stanley Nwachuku, he was named a "Paul Harris Fellow," Rotary's highest honor, by past RotaCare president, Eileen Gentlecore. Stanley then proceeded to enthrall Rotarians with a repertoire of original piano compositions. For information about RotaCare and Stanley Nwachuku, please call Jim Brady at (516) 742-7960; for information about the Mineola Garden City Rotary Club, please call Ray Sikorski, president at (516) 746-2262.