Stefanie Spielman - 1967-2009

Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers are with the Spielman family as we received the news that Stefanie passed away on Thursday, November 19th, 2009. Stefanie was the childhood sweetheart and wife of one of the greatest football players to don the scarlet and gray, Chris Spielman. Stefanie leaves behind four children Madison, 15; Noah, 13; Macy, 8 and Audrey, 7. Stefanie lost her courageous battle with cancer with her family by her side.

Stefanie's legacy truly is that of a strong and courageous person who battled cancer and taught many lessons about how to handle adversity with love, dignity and a ferociousness that makes all of us proud to be a part of Buckeye Nation.

During Stefanie's initial diagnosis with cancer she and Chris created the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Over the years the fund has raised over $6.5 million and touched many while helping bring awareness and education to the public.

In honor of Stefanie's life the football team added a special mention during the annual Ohio State and Michigan game, by wearing a special buckeye leaf sticker with SS and a pink buckeye leaf on their helmets. As much as Buckeye Nation despises that team up north, signs acknowledging the Spielmans during the game, showed not only what the game is all about, but also how Stefanie touched not just fellow Buckeyes but all fans even at the U of M.

On The James website hosted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute there is a special page for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. There you can learn more about the Fund and read about Stefanie's story. If you want to help donate as a member of The Ohio State Alumni Club of CNY you can mail donations to Theresa Pettit or you can visit Stefanie's Fund web page directly.

Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research

5787 Innsbruck Rd.

East Syracuse, NY 13057

c/o: Theresa Pettit