Elmhurst Musician Needs Life-Saving Surgery

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst resident Nick Bisesi, a lifelong musician and educator, says he has lived a healthy, active life – running 15 miles a week.

So he described it as a big shock when he learned earlier this year when he was told he had a bicuspid aortic valve. That means the heart valve has two flaps, instead of three.

The situation has resulted in an aortic aneurysm, which, if left untreated, could lead to a sudden and fatal rupture, he said.

"Despite feeling healthy, I’m living with a ticking time bomb in my chest," Bisesi said.

He was writing on a GoFundMe page that he created last month.

As of Monday, he had raised nearly $46,000 of a $110,500 goal to make life-saving surgery possible.

The surgery, he said, is available only in the United Kingdom and other places in Europe.

In the GoFundMe post, Bisesi said he has spent months appealing to his insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, but the firm has repeatedly denied coverage.

"I’m out of time," he said. "The reality is that if I want this lifesaving operation, I have to fund it myself."

Blue Cross declined to comment.

"We do not discuss member situations externally with the media," spokesperson Dawn Kahle said in a phone call. "It's standard policy. The member can work through the appeals process."

On the GoFundMe page, Bisesi gives an accounting of how the money sought would be spent. For the surgery, he would go to the UK.

In an interview, Bisesi said he has an insurance advocate who is helping him get an independent review.

A Grammy-nominated saxophonist, Bisesi said he has played with Ray Charles and Ramsey Lewis, among others.

"This surgery would give me a second chance at a full, healthy life and allow me to continue sharing my music," Bisesi said on the GoFundMe page. "Without it, I may have to give up playing altogether — ending the career and calling that has defined my life."