Remembering Stefanie
Stefanie Spielman, wife of former Ohio State and National Football League star Chris Spielman, passed away Thursday (11/19) after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. The following is the official statement from the family followed by a special request from the family.
Stefanie Spielman, who waged a courageous, public battle with breast cancer for more than 11 years, died at 6:15pm this evening at her home in Upper Arlington, Ohio, surrounded by her family. She was 42 years of age.
Survivors include her husband of 20 years: Chris; and their four children: Madison (15), Noah (13), Macy (8) and Audrey (7); mother, Myra Belcher of Upper Arlington; sisters Sue (Bill) Fitz of Upper Arlington, Sandy Belcher of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Cindy Belcher of Bangor, California. Stefanie's father, Richard, preceded her in death in 1987.
Stefanie's husband Chris released this statement a short time ago. "Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord. And for that we celebrate, but with broken hearts. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 years. Together with your help, hopefully we made a difference in this fight."
Public calling hours will be Monday November 23, 2009 at the Longaberger Alumni House on the campus of The Ohio State University from 1-8pm for those inspired by Stefanie's life and her service to the community. A celebration of life memorial service will be held Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grandview.
Official release and memorial information (PDF)
The Stefanie Story
In July of 1998, when she was just 30 years old, Stefanie Spielman was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, she not only worked to overcome the disease within her own body but sacrificed her privacy to prevent and fight breast cancer in others. The fame of her husband, former Ohio State Buckeye linebacker and NFL great Chris Spielman, gave the couple a unique advantage in what they felt was their responsibility to use their personal experience to create a positive impact on others. Therefore, even though she was exhausted by chemotherapy and tried to cope with what was happening to her, Stefanie stepped into the spotlight determined to raise awareness and encourage funding for research. Through the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, the Spielmans have so far raised over $5 million for breast cancer research.
Stefanie's public fight has encouraged women never to skip breast self-exams or mammograms that could save their life. Stefanie always kept her attitude positive, and was always grateful for the blessings she felt life had given her. A breast cancer fighter, mother, daughter and friend, Stefanie Spielman is a champion for women everywhere.
Messages from Gordon Gee, Lance Armstrong,
and others
COLUMBUS, Ohio The following are statements from Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee, Dr. Michael Caligiuri, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and chief executive officer of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; and Lance Armstrong, champion cyclist, three-time cancer survivor and LIVESTRONG founder, regarding breast cancer survivor and advocate Stefanie Spielman, who died after more than a decade-long battle with breast cancer.
"Through her remarkable grace and compassion for others, Stefanie Spielman taught all of us powerful lessons about the human capacity for love and courage," said Gee. "She was an extraordinary person and one of the University's firmest of friends. We were deeply proud to be able to celebrate her accomplishments, and those of Chris and their wonderful family, during a ceremony at one of our football games this fall. I was blessed to know Stefanie, to witness her good work, and to count her as a friend. We will miss her mightily."
"Not only did Stefanie Spielman create the Stefanie's Champions annual event to honor cancer caregivers, but through her tireless devotion and advocacy for more research into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, she helped raise more than $6.5 million for cancer research through the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The James," said Caliguiri. "She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her passion and commitment will live on for generations to come. She's truly a champion."
"Today we have lost a leader in the fight against cancer. Stefanie was a living example of courage and strength to everyone around her. Her perseverance was unmatchable. While the cancer community marks her passing, my family and I will keep the Spielmans in our thoughts as they say goodbye to their beloved wife and mother. For her sake, we will continue the battle she fought against a disease that claims too many women all over the world," said Armstrong.
Stefanie and The James
Stefanie chose The James for both her treatment and her funding program efforts because, as the Midwest's first and Ohio's only fully dedicated cancer hospital and research center, The James is committed to preventing cancer as well as treating it. The James is also one of only 40 centers in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center and has consistently been chosen as one of America's leading cancer institutions in U. S. News & World Report's annual guide to "America's Best Hospitals".
Together, Stefanie Spielman and The James devoted every day to bringing an end to this terrible disease.
Share Your Thoughts
If you care to share your thoughts, stories, and memories about Stefanie, please visit the Stefanie Spielman Fund Facebook page and post your message for all to see. And please visit the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research page from The James and show your support to help fight breast cancer.
