CLEVELAND — As Cleveland continues to mourn the loss of Nick Gilbert, son of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, the Terminal Tower and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse paid tribute to his life and legacy.
Both Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Terminal Tower were illuminated in blue and green colors to remember Nick's legacy, as well as bring awareness to neurofibromatosis.
Nick was laid to rest on Tuesday in Michigan, just three days after he passed away at the age of 26 after battling neurofibromatosis.
May serves Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month, which is dedicated to creating attention about the genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways.
Gilbert became the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Draft Lottery lucky charm in 2011 while representing the team. Nick went on to represent the Cavaliers at five more draft lotteries, including when the organization selected Darius Garland in 2019.
Earlier this week, the Cavs took to Instagram to honor Gilbert, saying he was "a light and inspiration to so many throughout his 26 years of life. Whether taking on his signature role as the Cavs’ good luck charm during several NBA Draft Lotteries or using his voice to advocate in the fight against NF, Nick’s unrelenting spirit has been a driving force behind our organization."
During the 2022-23 season, the Cavs dedicated their season to Nick and individuals affected by neurofibromatosis. The team wore bowtie emblems on their warmup jackets, while broadcasters, coaches and front office members wore lapel pins of the symbol.
Dan and Jennifer Gilbert have been very involved in helping spread awareness about neurofibromatosis. In 2017, the Gilberts created NF Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about NF and working on finding a cure for NF.