Pleasant Hills mother and daughter to compete in national pageant
Minutes after Susan Fancsali was born, she was having trouble breathing.
“When her color was looking so bad and her breathing was labored, the nurse wrapped her up with the blanket covering her that I didn’t even get to see her,” her mother, Kim Bennear Fancsali, said. “They told me to kiss her goodbye and that they were taking her to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”
Bennear Fancsali recalled being in the recovery room and hearing newborns crying. Another mother was upset because a nurse didn’t come in right away, Bennear Fancsali said.
“I heard, ‘Look, when we have a baby in trouble, that baby comes first,’” Bennear Fancsali said. “And I knew she was talking about Susan.”
Fancsali was diagnosed with Group B streptococcal infection, a bacteria that can be harmful to babies and moms. She had an infection, bleeding and swelling in her brain. Her blood pressure was unstable. She was hooked to tubes and machines.
She didn’t get to hold her baby until she was a week old.
Doctors told Bennear Fancsali and her husband Paul their daughter might not make it.
She did survive, after spending 14 days in the hospital.
That was three decades ago – Fancsali celebrated her 30th birthday on July 16.
From day one, the daughter and mother have had a special connection. The Pleasant Hills residents often finish each other’s sentences. They give the same answer simultaneously.
“We have always been close,” Bennear Fancsali said. “I think it is just something in our personalities. Of course, she has been through a lot in her life and I was – and always will be – there for her. When my son died, I think that may have made the bond closer as a lot changed. But she knew I would always be there for her and her other brother. We have such a wonderful relationship.”
The duo is always looking for a new adventure. The latest one will be competing at the Miss American COED pageant Sept. 1-4 in Orlando, Fla. Bennear Fancsali, 63, is in the Classic Woman Division and her daughter is in the MS. Division.
They anticipate at least 10 participants in each of their divisions, with more in the younger groups in this national pageant. There will be rehearsals, an in-person interview, on-stage introduction and an evening gown portion. They will participate in a talent piece for MAC’s Got Talent, a planned party event.
On the outside, pageants might seem to be only about fancy dresses and tiaras. The real beauty of just being together shines greater than any sequin or sparkly crown for these two, they said.
“It’s more than a walk-the-stage-in-an-embellished-long-gown kind of moment,” Bennear Fancsali said. “For us, it’s about making a memory, and doing it together.”
Fancsali started participating in pageants at age 19. She became interested in pageants after meeting Terri Berceli, a Pittsburgh-based talent agent. Fancsali, who had experience as a dancer, talked to Berceli, who offered instruction on walking a fashion runway and had connections to style events.
“I decided to do something outside the box,” Fancsali said. “It’s all about your attitude.”
Fancsali competed in the Cinderella Pageant System, USA National Miss Pageant System and won the Jr. Miss Reigning America in 2017.
This will be the first national pageant for Bennear Fancsali, who was in the PA Pageant that was held in Connecticut.
“You are never too old to try something new,” she said. “Some people want to do sky diving or go back to school, but I want to do this. We would like to win, but it’s more important to try our best and have fun.”
Doing things together as mother and daughter never gets old for these two who are enjoying the ride because life is short, they said.
They said the community service aspect of the pageant is important.
Fancsali creates homemade greeting cards. She came up with the idea while working at a nursing home. A resident continually asked if she had mail. Fancsali began giving her those envelopes filled with coupons, but decided a personalized greeting would be better.
She’s created more than 16,000 birthday, holiday and thinking of you cards for nursing homes, Meals on Wheels, a church, and veterans groups. She also donates to the Ronald McDonald House.
She and her mother wrap Christmas gifts for residents at the Emmaus House on Pittsburgh’s South Side. Emmaus describes its mission as “providing inclusive, community-based homes and in-home services for people with intellectual disabilities.”
Bennear Fancsali began a program with Barbie dolls at the Pleasant Hills Library. She reads books about women who inspired the dolls, such as tennis icon Billie Jean King and Helen Keller.
“Reading is so important, and when they see the Barbie and learn about that person, that connects them to the book,” said Bennear Fancsali, a brand ambassador for Barbie. “Literacy is the universal language.”
“Me and my mom are like two peas in a pod,” Fancsali said. “We are the dynamic duo, and I wouldn’t trade my relationship with her for anything. I’m lucky to have someone that is both my mom and my best friend.”
“And she is my best friend,” Bennear Fancsali answered immediately.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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