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Stefanie Spielman dies at 42

Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009

Updated: Monday, November 23, 2009 21:11

spielman

Stefanie and Chris Spielman

stef spielman

Stefanie Spielman, the wife of former Buckeye linebacker Chris Spielman, died Thursday at the age of 42 after succumbing to a long battle with breast cancer.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel released the following statement:

"On behalf of the entire Buckeye football family, we send our love, thoughts and prayers to the Spielman family. Stefanie has inspired the entire Buckeye nation and Columbus community with her courage and strength. We will miss her and will always remember the lessons we learned from her. She will always be a special Buckeye."

Below is a statement from OSU:

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.

For more information, visit: http://www.spielmanfund.com

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27 comments

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Your name
Tue Nov 24 2009 05:13
I was a huge Chris Spielman fan when he was a Lion. When I read of Stefanies battle with Cancer, I became an even bigger fan of hers. I was saddened to tears when I heard of her passing. My heartfelt sorrow to the Spielman family. I guarantee that all of us from "That football team to the North" are with all of our beloved Buckeys fans hearts during this deifficuklt time. God speed Stefanie.
Rita Cragof4mb8
Mon Nov 23 2009 17:44
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Speilman family, what an incredible courages woman Stefanie was and a hero to all of us.
The Carritz Family
Mon Nov 23 2009 14:57
May God bless and comfort you during this sad time. Stephanie was an inspiration to women everywhere--a true example of courage and grace. She will always be remembered as a class act who taught all about love, kindness, compassion, and courage.
Rob
Sun Nov 22 2009 20:39
Chris

My prayers are with you and your family.

Ruth Moncrief
Sat Nov 21 2009 23:24
As a breast cancer survivor on the first Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, founded by the Spielmans, I was infinitely privileged to meet and talk with both Stephanie and Chris. Her death saddens me deeply and my heart goes out to Chris with prayers that he receive all the comfort and strength God has to offer.
Carol Stegmiller
Sat Nov 21 2009 03:18
*Stephanie's smile and strength will always be remembered. Her courage in fighting breast cancer in an open way encouraged hope in others including patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and donors. In her memory, let us continue the fight. Cheer & pray for another patient; donate what you can.
*Let us all do our best to follow the incredible Stephanie and Chris as examples of how to love, how to parent, and how each person can make a positive difference in our community and the world.
jwcoopers
Fri Nov 20 2009 18:47
We have been inspired by the great strength & courage of Stefanie & her family during their long battle. May the Spielman family find peace in the memory of Stefanies's spirit and by the difference she made in the lives of many.
Chris Kacan
Fri Nov 20 2009 13:15
I cried some tears over the death of Stefanie. As a Buckeye for life, I have prayed for Stefanie and her family for these past 10 years. I did not know her personally, but she welcomed the world into her life by sharing her struggles with breast cancer. May God comfort and bless Chris, their children, and her extended family as they grieve her passing.
Susan Z
Fri Nov 20 2009 12:13
As a three-year survivor who was helped by Stefanie's kindness and courage and who will attend the Michigan/OSU game for the FIRST time in 53 years tomorrow, I suggest all OSU fans wear something PINK in honor of the Spielman family. A pink hat and scarf won't match my Buckeye Scarlet and Gray, but it will show solidarity.
john zeisler, columbus, ohioyxne3
Fri Nov 20 2009 10:13
It would be great if Phil Mickleson and Tiger Woods would get together and donate to the Stephanie Spielman fund for cancer research
Tamara Hunt
Fri Nov 20 2009 10:09
Stephanie touched the lives or more people than anyone will ever know. Her cancer battle inspired many, but gave special hope to those of us who also battle this terrible disease. My prayers are with the Spielman family in their time of great loss.
Ruthe
Fri Nov 20 2009 10:01
I, too, cried when I heard that Stefanie had lost her valiant battle against a terrible disease. Thanks to her more people were made aware of breast cancer and the importance of screening/self exams. At this writing I await the results of testing on my own daughter whose breast lump appeared recently. She's only 29 years old.
Maureen
Fri Nov 20 2009 09:56
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and the entire Family. Stefanie was a true champion in the fight against this terrible disease. I think a nice tribute would be if the team wore pink ribbon stickers on the white throw-back helmets that they are wearing tomorrow for the game as a sign of support and unity from the Buckeye Nation for all that both Chris and Stefanie have done over the past ten years.
Susan Jago
Fri Nov 20 2009 09:25
RIP Stefanie. The Buckeye Nation has lost one of its most courageous warriors. My thoughts and prayers to Chris and the children. May you take comfort in knowing what a wonderful woman your wife and mother was and that you will meet again. She is watching over you all from the arms of our heavenly Father. God Bless You All!
The Tittle Family of Cincinnati
Fri Nov 20 2009 08:58
To Chris, the Children and Stephanie's extended family; first we are all saddened at this terrible loss of such a strong and wonderful woman. Nothing we can say or do can ease the feelings inside your hearts and souls during this time but just know that the each and every one of us love you, the kids and will keep Stephanie in our thoughts and prayers. We don't have to tell you how special she was but she taught us every day how to really live our lives without fear and live it to the max. Thank you all for allowing us to share with us her life and may we all grow stronger in it! May God keep you under his watchful eye and give you strength.
Jessica
Fri Nov 20 2009 08:10
The Buckeye Nation has lost one of its best members. God Bless Stefanie. My heart and prayers go out to Chris, your children, friends and family. Stefanie Spielman exemplified what it means to be a Buckeye. Thank you Stefanie for the courage, class and dedication you demonstrated throughout your short life. Rest In Peace.
Your name
Fri Nov 20 2009 06:40
Our hearts go out to Chris and his family. Stefamoe was and inspiration to us all.
Aitch
Fri Nov 20 2009 06:28
My deepest sympathies for Chris & his family. We Buckeyes here in Miami Florida and everywhere have you in our prayers. Lets win this one up north especially for Chris.
Adrienne Maltese (NJ FAN)
Fri Nov 20 2009 06:24
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Spielman family. I had seen the game in which they had the ceremony for the Spielmans. I have seen Chris at many a sports event and he seems to be a deep rooted man that has his family as his first priority. I guess we all take life for granted and think we are indestructibe. I have become a Buckeye over the last 20 years and truly understand the strength of the Buckeye nation. You certainly see how everyone comes together in support.
Mike D
Fri Nov 20 2009 05:24
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Spielman family. She traveled a difficult path for 10 years. Her passing is a reminder of how short and difficult life can be. She will be honored for her courage to carry on in the face of personal uncertainty.
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