Nick “Gilly” Gilbert passed on May 6th, 2023 due to complications with neurofibromatosis (NF) – a genetic disorder he was diagnosed with at infancy. The thing is: Nick’s entire life was a fight – you just would have never known. A brain operation at 10 didn’t stop him from living the rest of his childhood just as every kid did. Eyesight limitations were no match for his desire to continuously represent – and win – the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Draft Lottery – igniting an entire fanbase and inspiring millions with his coined smile, bowtie and victory celebrations. Back-to-back brain surgeries, radiation, and resulting physical disabilities didn’t stop him from graduating Michigan State University. He gracefully flew through every obstacle with a smile on his face just to make things easier for everyone else.

In 2023, Nick’s younger siblings, Grant, AJ, Gracie, and Nash, launched The Gilly Project—an initiative-based community inspired by Nick. In partnership with The Gilly Project, NFX strives to raise awareness and understanding of neurofibromatosis as well as the importance of NF research for the NF community and other rare disease research.

Those who would like to honor the memory of Nick Gilbert are asked to make a contribution to:

NFX
1074 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 373-3977

May his memory be a blessing.

Listen to the touching tribute song “Thank You Nick” written by Mike Young and performed by Sam Woolf.