Central Ohio Leaders Against Breast Cancer Remember Stefanie Spielman
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Remembering Stefanie Spielman
Thousands of Central Ohioans remember Stefanie Spielman, including the staff and doctors at The James Cancer Hospital.
NBC 4
Thousands of Central Ohioans are remembering Stefanie Spielman, including the staff and doctors at The James Cancer Hospital.
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Thousands of Central Ohioans are remembering Stefanie Spielman Friday, including the staff and doctors at The James Cancer Hospital.
Stefanie, who battled breast cancer for more than a decade, died Thursday at the age of 42. She passed away at her Upper Arlington home, surrounded by her loving family.
Stefanie and Chris worked closely with The James to raise more than $6 million for breast cancer research.
“The money that she has raised has really helped put The James on the map when it comes to cancer research. Whether it is a vaccine or a new protocol or new treatment,“ said Steve Chaykowski, director of development at The James.
Miguel Perez is also solemn. The former president of Komen Columbus reflected on the many panel discussions he shared with Stefanie.
“She’d start rattling off all these medical terms and all these medical trials that existed. And the things that they were working on, like a total brain. I was like, ‘Wow, she really knows her stuff,‘“ Perez said.
He said he knows all too well what pain the Spielman family is enduring. He lost his sister to breast cancer.
“I would have to imagine that there is some sort of relief or peace of mind that Stefanie is at peace. But I think the hole in the heart of those kids and her husband is pretty significant,“ he said.
Stefanie was Ohio State royalty. She was born and raised in northeastern Ohio.
She married her high-school sweetheart, Chris Spielman, the rugged All-American linebacker who was a star for the scarlet and gray and for the NFL.
Stefanie found a lemon-sized lump during a breast self-exam in 1998. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 and battled cancer into remission four times.
Stefanie and Chris set about raising money for cancer research, using their star power and boundless energy. They created the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
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Reader Reactions
Having been traveling, I have been out of touch, so I was stunned to read the Steph lost her battle with cancer.
She was among a very strong, dedicated group of advocates for not only breast cancer, but people with all types of cancer. Her work on behalf of the James, and people with cancer was extraoridinary.
It was an honor having met her, and I will always remember her happiness, and fullness of life. The last time I saw her was at a wedding and reception for a member of the Hat ladies support group, dancing , laughing, and enjoying life.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and the family, and the many, many people she touched with her spirit, drive and support for others.
Not only to others with cancer , but to everyone who’s life she touched, she will always be a “ Champion” and always remembered as the one she was.
Chris and the children are wished our very best prayers and thoughts. They know too she is in a place with no pain and able to watch over them from above. Stay the faith. We are all so proud of what your family has done and represents.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Spielman family, I lost my mother to breast cancer at the age of 45 I know the pain that your family is going through. She will be greatly missed, she was a true champion.
With Sympathy,
Tamara
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