By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Sometimes you don't know what friends you have until something happens to you.
And, that is exactly what Tracy Wilson from Niles is finding out while recovering at Fort Wayne, Ind.'s Lutheran Hospital, where he recently underwent life-saving heart surgery.
A Niles Community Schools custodian and real estate agent at Coldwell Banker, Wilson, who during the surgery received a Heart Mate, is well known locally for his Port-A-Pit dinners and community involvement.
The Heart Mate is a fist sized implantable device used by physicians to keep alive patients awaiting heart transplants who otherwise wouldn't survive.
Wilson is married to Angel and they have two children.
He has been waiting for a heart transplant for several years.
The dance organizers, which include friends and co-workers, have already received overwhelming support from the community who wish to take part in the event, and to help Wilson and his family.
She said the benefit dance will include an auction and a raffle.
People who wish to donate items for the auction can call Sebasty at 695-6026.
Tickets for the event can be obtained by calling Sebasty, or by going to Niles Community Schools Administrative Office at 111 Spruce St.
Sebasty said people can also buy the $5 tickets at the door.
The dance will feature a DJ and a jazz band.