At this point the news has spread and most everyone in the Ohio State community is aware of the passing of NE Ohio native Stefanie Spielman last night after her fifth bout with breast cancer.
Together with her husband Chris and her family, Spielman fought cancer on a public stage and helped to change the image of a cancer patient. From her first diagnosis the Spielmans worked together to raise funds to fight cancer. For eleven years, through four recurrences of the disease, she made her fight with breast cancer public and raised over six and a half million dollars for the James Cancer Hospital to fight cancer.
We at WFNY want to express our condolences and sincere gratitude to her family for being so open and strong and passionate and honest. It’s often the case that in death people are memorialized and put on a pedestal. This is not an instance of that. Stefanie Spielman truly was a hero, in every sense of the word.
More information about the Stefanie Spielman Cancer Fund can be found at the James Cancer Hospital’s website.
Author: DennyMayo
Denny Mayo is a Northern Ohio native and Ohio State alumnus who currently lives in (and therefore blogs from) Washington, DC. Because he lives in the District, he clearly does not understand anything about Cleveland sports. Contact Denny via email: denny(at)waitingfornextyear(dot)com or on TwitterDenny Mayo has written 204 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
My thoughts and prayers are going out to the entire Spielman family. If anyone is interested, 97.1 The Fan is having a tribute to and celebrating her life during the “The Big Show” that Chris works on a weekly basis. It’s a very emotional tribute, but just shows how great a person she was and how many people’s lives that her and her entire family has touched and inspired.
Props to Tony Rizzo for having Munch on to discuss Stefanie Spielman earlier.
Here, here. Chris Spielman is a hero too as far as I’m concerned, for the way he supported his wife throughout her time of illness.
Prayers and blessings to the Spielman family, they fought such a courageous battle with such dignity. Chris Spielman is the true mark of a hero.
chris spielman isnt a hero for supporting his wife during her illness. supporting your wife is what a man is supposed to do! unfortunately, many “men” do not accept their responsibilities like Chris did. kudos to Chris for personifying what a true man and husband should be. may stefanie rest in peace.
Well said Denny. My most sincerest condolences to my fellow Stark County natives. They have been a true inspiration to women (and men) everywhere, not just in Ohio.
How sad, was hoping she would pull through… donating $$$ to beast cancer today in her honor.
Chris was willing to walk away from the NFL for her when she first got sick. Whereas some people like John Edwards choose to run for President.
My heart breaks for Chris and their children, as they now grow up without their mom.
Stefanie was a hero and raised over 6.5 million for the James Cancer Research Hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with the Spielman family today.
I was sorry to hear that she lost her battle. May she rest in peace.