The Cleveland Cavaliers today announced that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's son, Nick, will represent the team at the upcoming NBA draft lottery in Secaucus, New Jersey, next Tuesday.
Nick, the 2011 National Children’s Tumor Foundation Ambassador, is 14 and suffers from Neurofibromatosis, a nerve disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body at any time.
"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!" Dan Gilbert said in the press release.
They key to Cavs fan in that quote might be the fact that Nick is lucky, considering Cleveland can use every bit of a luck it can get in landing the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. The release also suggests fans follow Nick on Twitter as he's already giving away different prizes while promoting Neurofibromatosis awareness.