Nick Gilbert, son of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, is scheduled to have brain surgery at a Detroit-area hospital this week, according to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Nick, now 21 years of age, was born with a rare condition called neurofibromatosis (NF), which is a nerve disorder that causes tumors to from anywhere in the human body, including the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. There is no known prevention or cure, however, surgery can be performed to remove tumors that have become problematic or cancerous.
Most hoops fans will remember Nick as the 14-year-old boy who served as the Cavs’ representative in the 2011 and 2013 NBA Lotteries. He was later accepted as Cleveland’s good luck charm, as the team won the No. 1 overall pick in both instances as his jovial personality, signature bowtie, and “What’s not to like?” one-liner beamed nothing but positive energy in a time when the team was enduring a difficult transition phase.
“(Nick) has already been through one life-saving brain surgery more than 10 years ago and has been treated by chemotherapy on and off for 15 years.”
Nick has lost quite a bit of vision due to his ailment. In fact, he’s down to about 25 percent visibility in his left eye.
Several athletes, members of the media, and former Cavs general manager David Griffin have already sent their best wishes to Nick as he prepares for surgery this week.
Without a doubt, Nick is a fighter. Please remember to keep the Gilbert family in your thoughts and prayers going forward.