Nick Gilbert, the 14-year old son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will be the team's on-stage representative for the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery taking place on Tuesday, May 17 in Secaucus, NJ. While Gilbert is the owner's son, there is another great reason for Nick to be the 'pick'. Gilbert is also the 2011 National Children's Tumor Foundation Ambassador, meaning his role has added value.
The Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) www.ctf.org is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the more than 1 in 3,000 children born with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a nerve disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body at any time. May is also NF Awareness Month and, coincidentally, May 17th is also World NF Awareness Day. Nick was born with NF and has successfully and courageously battled the disease his entire life.
"We talk a lot about heroes in sports but sometimes we overlook the heroes that are in front of us every day. Nick Gilbert was born with NF more than 14 years ago. Despite enduring brain surgery, the loss of vision in one of his eyes, four long rounds of chemotherapy and countless visits and time in doctors' offices and hospitals, he has emerged as the happiest and most optimistic person I know. Nick has never complained a single time about the bad card he was dealt, and instead, chooses to focus on all that is good and exciting around him. He is an example of perseverance, determination and life the way it should be lived. Nick is my personal hero. BTW....The kid is also quite lucky, which Cavs fans should take solace in, since he is representing us in the lottery on Tuesday evening!" said father of Nick and Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert.
You can follow all the action from the younger Gilbert on his Twitter account - @CavsNick
"I am pumped up to rep the Cavs in New Jersey at the NBA Lottery this Tuesday night. I will do everything I can to help bring the highest picks to Cleveland as well as raising additional funds for the foundation," said the teenage Gilbert.
The Cavaliers enter the lottery with two opportunities in the lottery while possessing two 2nd Round picks in the 2011 NBA Draft.