Nick Gilbert, who is the son of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, has passed away at the age of 26, it has been revealed. According to reports, Nick had a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow on the skin and brain, and there's still no form of treatment or cure found for the disorder. Per the Daily Mail, Nick died on Saturday, as mentioned by the Ira Kaufman Chapel, which says he passed away "peacefully at home surrounded by family."
Nick had reportedly battled the condition since he was just 15 months old, having undergone a number of procedures from a young age, including brain surgery and chemotherapy, which had left him with some vision loss. Cavaliers fans will be well aware that Nick had been the team's representative at five draft lotteries since 2011 after the Cavs had taken on their first season without Lebron James, who had left to play for the Miami Heat at the time.
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For the 2022-2023 season, team members wore bowtie emblems on their warm-up jackets, with Dan explaining the reason for the sweet gesture just a few months back. He said, "We want to give a special thanks to Cleveland fans for always embracing Nick and showing him support and love over the years. This season, we're using the Cavs platform to raise awareness of NF and the millions who are impacted by this disease. While there's currently no cure, we hope to help support cutting-edge research through our efforts."
Dan has been a vocal advocate for neurofibromatosis research and awareness since Nick's diagnosis. He has donated millions of dollars to support research and treatment programs and has encouraged other philanthropists to do the same. In 2012, Dan and his wife Jennifer founded the Children's Tumor Foundation's NF Endurance Team, which raises money for neurofibromatosis research through athletic events such as marathons and triathlons.
Dan has also used his platform as the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers to raise awareness for neurofibromatosis. He has dedicated games and events to the cause and has encouraged fans and players to get involved. Dan's leadership has helped to create a culture of compassion and support within the Cavaliers organization.
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In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers launched the "One for the Land" campaign, which aimed to unite the community and raise awareness for various social issues. Neurofibromatosis was one of the issues highlighted by the campaign. The Cavaliers partnered with the Children's Tumor Foundation and hosted a "Neurofibromatosis Awareness Night" at a game. The team wore special jerseys with the Children's Tumor Foundation logo and invited Nick Gilbert to participate in the pre-game ceremonies.
The impact of the "One for the Land" campaign was significant. It raised over $1 million for various charities and brought attention to important social issues. For the neurofibromatosis community, it was a moment of validation and recognition. The Cavaliers' support helped to break down some of the stigma surrounding the condition and showed that people with neurofibromatosis are valued members of society.
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