Dan Gilbert Funds Neurofibromatosis Research

Why this is here: Gilbert’s annual benefit event raised $12 million in one night for neurofibromatosis research, contributing to a total of roughly $50 million in annual funding.

Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chairman of Rocket Companies, is directing resources toward finding a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF) after his son Nick died from the disease in 2023. Nick’s battle with NF, a rare genetic disorder affecting roughly 1 in 2,000 births in the U.S., began shortly after he was born and involved years of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite the disease’s progression, Nick attended college and interned at his father’s company, maintaining friendships and a positive outlook.

Gilbert and his family established The Gilly Project and Gilly’s Clubhouse in Detroit to honor Nick’s memory. The Gilbert Family Foundation now contributes about $50 million annually to NF research, partnering with the Children’s Tumor Foundation. This support helped fund the development of two FDA-approved treatments for NF tumors.

While current treatments exist, a cure remains elusive, and challenges persist in addressing tumors affecting critical functions like breathing and communication. Gilbert continues to fund research, believing a cure is possible and driven by his son’s legacy.