Steve Fiscus may be known to his students at Prairieview-Ogden Jr. High School as an assistant principal and teacher, but it wasn’t until recently that they found out he is passionate about something else: fighting diabetes. Fiscus is one of the leading contenders to win top prize at the American Diabetes Association Champaign County Kiss A Pig gala fundraiser on April 8. The candidate who raises the most money wins the honor of kissing a pig at the party. Fiscus, who is also assistant football coach for St. Joseph-Ogden High School, resides in St. Joseph with is wife of almost 7 years, Amy. They have two children, Makenna (5) and Kellen (1).
See why we think Steve Fiscus is a Chambana dad to know.
Q: Why did you become a Kiss a Pig candidate?
I volunteered for this unique opportunity in memory of my mom, Jill Fiscus, who passed away in 2003 from complications of diabetes. She was only 55 years old. Her untimely death meant that she never got to meet my wife, attend our wedding or play with our children. My dad was also recently diagnosed with diabetes. My wife’s grandparents, dad, and brother have all been diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in our family is staggering, and it means there is a greater likelihood that Amy and I, or our children, will develop the disease. Diabetes has had a tremendous impact on my family, and I want to do my part to fight this disease.
Q: What should parents know about diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2?
Most important is to know the signs and symptoms to look for in their child. If there is a history of diabetes in your family, it can also raise awareness.
Q: What has been your most effective fundraising tactic and why?
My most effective fundraising tactic has been to get my wife’s support and help. She has been invaluable in making contacts, following up, and organizing our campaign. I am fortunate to have her and to have friends and family who have been willing to help out. Everyone I talk to has had diabetes effect their lives in some way, so it’s a cause many people are willing to donate to. I was able to secure Toyota of Danville as the presenting sponsor of the Kiss A Pig Gala, and Versabar, Inc. as a gold sponsor. Local businesses have been able to help by purchasing tables to the event or making donations of money or auction items.
Q: How has your own school gotten involved?
Prairieview-Ogden school district and St. Joseph-Ogden High School partnered in a “Dimes for Diabetes” change drive at their schools. Within four weeks of collecting change, the two districts raised $2920.70 towards my campaign. To reward them for their efforts, I held a “practice pucker” at SJO high school during halftime of a basketball game and kissed a pig in front of the crowd. We also held this event at Carle Auditory Oral School, and St. Thomas Catholic School in Philo where my daughter attends. These two schools also surpassed their goals, and were treated with an assembly to see me kiss a pig at their respective schools. The school communities have been a great help in us reaching out and raising money for this great cause.
Q: You are a teacher and administrator – what learning opportunities has this process brought you?
It has really taught me that everyone has a story. They may have never spoken of it before, but once they learn that you are campaigning for a cause that affects them, they open up. I think that is something that students can learn from. There are other people that have the same issues as you, and opening up about those issues can be beneficial for everyone involved.
Q: What does fatherhood mean to you?
Fatherhood is the greatest gift someone can receive. My wife, daughter, and son mean the world to me. Sometimes I don’t do the best job of displaying what they mean to me, but I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for them. I hope that I can be a great model for my kids as they grow up. Being a parent is a tough job, but it’s also going to be the most rewarding job I’ll ever have when I see my kids grow up to be caring, successful people.
Send your Chambana mom/dad to know nominations to editor@chambanamoms.com.