Chicago-area musician, professor with rare heart condition prepares for surgery overseas

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) -- A well-known suburban musician and music professor is battling a life-threatening genetic heart condition, and he's getting a lot of help from his friends.

He is preparing for a surgery overseas in London that he hopes will save his life.

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Music is Nick Bisesi's life. The Grammy-nominated jazz musician plays the saxophone all around the Chicago area. He also teaches music at Elmhurst University and gives private lessons.

A rare genetic condition in his heart threatens to end his music career and could end his life.

"Basically, I need to have it repaired or I need to stop playing."

Bisesi says a potentially life-saving surgical procedure, that is relatively common in Europe, is unavailable in the United States. He also says his health insurance company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, denied coverage for the surgery.

Bisesi says he has no choice but to get the surgery anyway and try to pay for it himself. He is now in London with his wife and teenage daughter preparing for the surgery.

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Friends back home are rooting for him.

"He's a great player," musician Christy Ogilvie McCreary said. "I think of him mostly as a jazz player, but he can do everything. And just a really good person. A really nice guy."

Bisesi has also played with his church music group in Barrington for more than two decades. Many of those church members have contributed to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for the surgery. As of Thursday afternoon, contributions had reach just more than half of the $100,000 he needs.

"Well-rounded musician," said Rory Cooney with St. Anne's Catholic Church. "We're just hoping this whole thing goes well for him."

Bisesi says he is excited for the surgery. Doctors tell him they have a strong success rate and he should be able to return to his normal life and his music very quickly.

"I can't describe the feeling," Bisesi said. "I feel so supported and so loved by my community. It's unbelievable."

A spokesperson for Blue Cross and Blue Shield says the company is committed to providing access to quality health care, but they cannot comment a specific case.

Bisesi is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday.