CHICAGO – Chicago-area musician and Elmhurst University professor Nick Bisesi is preparing to undergo a critical heart surgery in London on Monday, despite his health insurance initially denying coverage for the specialized procedure. Bisesi, a well-known jazz and church musician, faces a $100,000 medical bill and is relying on community support to cover the costs.
Bisesi’s case highlights the challenges patients can face when seeking specialized medical care outside of their insurance network. He was diagnosed with a rare heart condition requiring a procedure not readily available in the United states, leaving him with the difficult choice of proceeding with the surgery abroad and financing it himself. Friends, colleagues, and community members have rallied around bisesi, contributing to a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden.
Bisesi, who has played music with his church group in Barrington for over two decades, learned he had no choice but to travel to London for the surgery.He is currently there with his wife and teenage daughter, preparing for the procedure, which doctors say has a strong success rate and should allow him to quickly return to his normal life and music.
“I can’t describe the feeling,” Bisesi said. “I feel so supported and so loved by my community. It’s incredible.”
A GoFundMe page was established to help cover the expenses, and as of thursday afternoon, it had raised just over half of the $100,000 needed. Rory Cooney of St. Anne’s Catholic Church described Bisesi as a “well-rounded musician,” adding, “We’re just hoping this whole thing goes well for him.”
Musician Christy Ogilvie McCreary echoed the sentiment, saying, “He’s a great player…just a really good person. A really nice guy.”
Blue cross and Blue shield released a statement saying the company is “committed to providing access to quality health care,” but declined to comment on Bisesi’s specific case.
Those wishing to contribute to Bisesi’s medical fund can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-musicians-2nd-chance-lifesaving-heart-surgery-in-london.