In the vibrant heart of Detroit, a city known for its enduring spirit and rich history, billionaires Dan and Jennifer Gilbert have unveiled an awe-inspiring philanthropic effort that’s set to redefine the city’s healthcare landscape. Their nearly $400 million initiative to combat strokes and establish a cutting-edge research facility is poised to place Detroit squarely on the global healthcare map.
But as we revel in this exhilarating addition to the New Center area, one pressing question surges to the forefront: Will this prominent addition to the Detroit skyline genuinely serve the city’s residents, particularly those without the financial means of its esteemed benefactors?
The Gilbert Family Foundation, in collaboration with Henry Ford Health System and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, has committed to creating a 72-bed physical medicine and rehabilitation facility right here in Detroit. This remarkable facility, spanning three floors of the forthcoming Henry Ford Hospital patient tower, is set to provide crucial inpatient care for individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and an array of other conditions.
Dan Gilbert first became interested in having a Shirley Ryan facility in Detroit after he suffered a debilitating stroke in May 2019. There wasn’t a comparable facility in Southeastern Michigan, so he went to the AbilityLab in Illinois to recover. The resources available to him were unparalleled, and his journey to recovery was undoubtedly made smoother by these advantages compared to the average Black Detroiter who has also suffered a life-altering or, in most cases, life-fleeing stroke.
“Nearly every family will encounter unexpected health challenges at some point. While our family has faced severe health crises, we have been fortunate to receive some of the best medical and rehabilitative care in the country. Through these investments, we aim to enhance access to that same top-notch care for all Detroiters in times of need,” said Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Rocket Companies, Co-Founder of the Gilbert Family Foundation, and a former Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient.
The prospect of such a world-class healthcare facility landing on our doorstep is nothing short of electrifying. But, and it’s a significant “but,” for Detroit’s Black community, there’s a deep-rooted concern that needs to be addressed head-on. The stark reality is that this community has grappled with systemic healthcare disparities stemming from financial inequality and limited access to top-notch care.
A recent Wayne State University study paints a harrowing picture: Detroiters aged 50 to 59 face an astonishing 122 percent higher death rate compared to the rest of Michigan. These aren’t just statistics; these are our neighbors, friends, and family members. In a city where healthcare disparities are a part of daily life, it’s imperative that we ask ourselves if this glittering addition to our healthcare arsenal will genuinely be accessible to those who need it most.
“It is no secret that here in Detroit we have suffered long from disparate impacts of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and strokes. In fact, a study published by Wayne State University indicates that Detroiters are dying before their time,” expressed Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. “A 122 percent higher death rate than the rest of Michigan right here in Detroit only speaks to the critical need of investing in healthcare and world-class care for Detroiters.”
The Gilberts’ personal connection to the cause, driven by the loss of their eldest son, Nick, to neurofibromatosis, adds an authenticity that’s hard to ignore. Nick’s journey, riddled with multiple brain surgeries, vision loss, and rounds of chemotherapy, serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of these conditions. The Gilberts have converted their pain into a powerful purpose, dedicating themselves to this cause with an unwavering passion.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that triggers the growth of tumors along nerve pathways in various parts of the body. According to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, NF affects one in every 2,000 births globally, with an estimated 4 million people living with some form of NF. This condition can either be inherited or arise from spontaneous genetic changes.
NF1, one of the three types of neurofibromatosis, is the most common and is often associated with the development of tumors in the brain or on the spinal cord. While these tumors are generally non-cancerous, they can lead to significant deformities and health complications, including blindness.
Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son, Nick, was diagnosed with NF1 during his childhood. Throughout his life, Nick tirelessly advocated for neurofibromatosis awareness and wholeheartedly supported research efforts aimed at finding a cure. The Gilbert Family Foundation, in collaboration with the sister nonprofit NF Forward, has invested nearly $100 million into research dedicated to combatting neurofibromatosis.
The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute will collaborate with research institutions and scientists worldwide to create innovative disease models using cutting-edge organoid technology and other research methodologies. Organoids, often referred to as “mini organs in a dish,” enable researchers to rapidly evaluate potential drug treatments, assessing their positive and negative effects on both healthy and affected tissues. This technology promises to usher in a new era of personalized healthcare for both Henry Ford Health and NF patients.
This groundbreaking institute will be located within Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University’s upcoming research facility on Henry Ford Health’s east campus, scheduled to open its doors in 2027. The construction of this section of the overall facility, estimated at $50 million, will be generously funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation. Additionally, the foundation has pledged $190 million over the course of ten years to support the institute’s operations and research.
“The opportunity for our joint research facility is to conjoin the strengths of world-class academia, clinical research and healthcare,” said MSU Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. “That partnership is further strengthened by our partners at the Gilbert Family Foundation to become the first-of-its-kind research institute dedicated completely to a debilitating disease like neurofibromatosis. As a result of this institutional engagement, Detroit will be known for groundbreaking research and patient care. MSU is proud to be part of bringing these plans to fruition.”
The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute will stand as a trailblazing institution, being one of the first brick-and-mortar facilities entirely dedicated to neurofibromatosis. It will pioneer the use of organoid technology and other innovative models to address this complex condition, offering renewed hope to countless individuals affected by NF.
In 2018, as Nick Gilbert underwent a grueling eight-hour surgery, his father, Dan Gilbert, took to Twitter to update the world on his son’s progress. In a moment that oozed resilience, Nick’s first post-surgery question was, “Did Cavs beat OKC?” This instance underscores the indomitable spirit of those battling health challenges and highlights the critical importance of equitable healthcare access.
“Together, we know that the promise of research and medicine is that tomorrow’s patients are treated better that today’s and to ensure that, that sentence can be true in Detroit and for all of Michigan we are here to bring world-class academic training, clinical research, and healthcare together and it fills me with great optimism about what the future holds,” said Woodruff. “When it comes to the future of healthcare, I find myself often asking this question, what can we uniquely do together that we can’t do apart?”
While this initiative is unquestionably commendable, it beckons a critical set of questions. Will this philanthropic effort truly tackle the systemic barriers that have perpetuated health disparities in our community for far too long? Can the $10 million fund established by the Gilberts to increase access to rehabilitation care bridge the gap in a city where healthcare costs can be insurmountable for many?
The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, wholly funded by the foundation, stands as a beacon of hope for those grappling with this genetic condition. Its commitment to collaborating with research institutions worldwide offers the promise of groundbreaking treatments and cures. Yet, amidst the excitement surrounding its potential, we must also ponder whether this research will reach the hands of those in underserved communities who need it just as crucially.
The Gilberts’ philanthropic endeavor carries profound personal significance, and their dedication to Detroit is undeniably commendable. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we view this initiative not merely as another grand project but as a genuine effort to address the systemic barriers that have perpetuated health disparities for far too long.
“We know what really matters, is the actual accessibility of the opportunity,” expressed Sheffield. “While bringing this state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility is great for our city, what truly makes this announcement so transformative is the $10 million endowment from the Gilbert Family Foundation which will increase access for low-income residents who have limited or no health care coverage.”
As we celebrate this monumental philanthropic effort and the arrival of a world-renowned healthcare facility in Detroit, we must remember that its true success hinges on its impact on Detroiters, particularly those in the Black community. Will it break down the barriers to equitable healthcare access, or will it remain tantalizingly out of reach for those who need it just as badly? These aren’t idle questions; they are a call to action, urging us to ensure that this dazzling addition becomes a tangible, accessible reality for all Detroiters, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Gilberts initiative shouldn’t just offer hope—it should deliver on the promise of real, transformative change. It’s not enough to merely spotlight the issues; we must fervently work to dismantle the systemic barriers that have held back Black communities for far too long. The success of this initiative should be gauged not solely by its size and grandeur but by its capacity to bridge the healthcare access divide and make a tangible, life-altering difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“Jennifer and I are extremely proud to work alongside Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University to play a part in bringing both the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute to Detroit. These are important resources for Detroiters and residents across the state, and we are hopeful they will attract the brightest minds and most promising research to our rapidly transforming city,” said Dan Gilbert.
Dan Gilbert’s stroke was a stark reminder that strokes can affect anyone, regardless of their stature. What followed was a remarkable journey of recovery, during which time he leaned heavily on the expertise of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Now, as Detroit welcomes the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to its own backyard, it’s important to reflect on the stark contrast between a billionaire’s path to recovery and the challenges faced by the average Detroiter.
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab boasts cutting-edge technology, world-class specialists, and a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation. For Dan Gilbert, it was the ideal setting to regain his health and mobility. His stroke was a painful episode in his life, but with access to such top-tier care, he was able to begin recovery with remarkable effectiveness.
Fast forward to the present day, and Detroit is on the brink of having its very own Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The prospect of having such a prestigious facility within the city is undoubtedly exciting. However, we must acknowledge the disparities that persist in healthcare access, especially for the Black community.
While Dan Gilbert’s story of recovery is inspiring, it’s important to recognize that not everyone has the luxury of navigating post-stroke life in the same way. In Detroit, where healthcare disparities are an unfortunate reality, many individuals do not have the means to access high-quality care, let alone the world’s best physical therapy.
For the average Detroiter, the path to post-stroke recovery can be littered with obstacles. Limited access to medical facilities, financial constraints, and a lack of comprehensive insurance coverage are just a few of the hurdles that can stand in the way. The reality is that stroke recovery is a deeply personal journey, and for far too many, it’s a journey marked by struggle and sacrifice.
The arrival of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Detroit should not be seen solely as a symbol of progress but as yet another call to action. It’s a reminder that we must work tirelessly to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The disparities that exist within the city must be addressed head-on, ensuring that every Detroiter, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to the world-class care that can make a difference in their recovery.
Dan Gilbert’s stroke and recovery serve as a potent reminder of the importance of equitable healthcare access. While we celebrate the arrival of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Detroit, we must also be acutely aware of the disparities that persist within our healthcare system. The journey to recovery should not be defined by one’s wealth but by one’s determination and access to resources.
As Detroit welcomes this esteemed institution, let us ensure that it becomes a beacon of hope for all, not just the privileged few. Gilbert’s generous $10 million gift is a wonderful start to making that a reality, but it is our collective responsibility to advocate for equitable healthcare access, to break down barriers, and to make world-class care a reality for every Detroiter, regardless of their background or financial status but by their access to care, support, and opportunity.