RACINE COUNTY - Six years ago, Jordan Benish contracted strep throat, only no one knew that was what he had. His illness went undiagnosed, and eventually caused rheumatic fever.

By the time doctors realized what was causing then 13-year-old Jordan to be so sick, the inflammatory disease had damaged his heart valves. He was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease.

Now 19, Jordan will undergo his third open-heart surgery this week. Although he is finishing some classes at Case High School, his age and his status as a less-than-full-time student caused the Mount Pleasant family's medical insurance to drop him, leaving the teen and his parents with incredibly steep medical bills.

"Money is the last thing you need to worry about when you have a son with a condition like this," said Jordan's mother, Traci. "All you want is to get them better, not have to worry about how you're going to pay for it."

Which is why family and friends have organized a benefit for Jordan and his family to help them pay for his mounting medical bills. The benefit will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Greg's Catering, 3120 Roberts St., Franksville.

Those organizing the benefit are hoping to raise funds to help the Benish family.

"It's been a long journey,"

Traci Benish said.

Her son turned 19 in early January. As of Jan. 31, he was no longer covered by the insurance the family has through the employer of Jordan's father, Tim. Less than two weeks after he found himself without medical insurance, Jordan's heart problems resumed.

"We have no insurance left to help him," Traci Benish said. "There's no program through the state that he qualifies for. He's up to a $19,000 bill right now."

And Jordan hasn't even had the surgery yet.

On Tuesday, Jordan will undergo open heart surgery at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa to replace two heart valves. His mother said that although he is stable right now with medication, they wanted to schedule the surgery as soon as possible, which means Jordan will not be able to attend the benefit in his honor.

Sponsored by Woodland Hills Contractors and Greg's Catering, the event will feature buffet-style sandwiches, door prizes, a disc jockey and games. The top door prize is a trip to the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells for up to six people for two nights.

Admission to the benefit is $12.50 for adults, $7 for children ages 4 to 10, and free for children age 3 and under. Food, beverages, a ticket for the door prize drawing and the entertainment are included in the admission price.

The public is invited to attend.

Anyone who is not able to come to the benefit, but would like to contribute, can make donations to the Jordan Benish Benefit Account at any Johnson Bank

location.