Stefanie Spielman, wife of NFL star, dies at 42

[Faygo Kid]

Source: Associated Press via Yahoo

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)—Stefanie Spielman, the wife of NFL and Ohio State star Chris Spielman who led a public fight against breast cancer, died Thursday after a lengthy battle with the disease. She was 42.

Stefanie Spielman died at the family’s home in Upper Arlington, surrounded be her family, said WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show.

“Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord,” Chris Spielman said in a statement released by the station. “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.”

Stefanie Spielman was 30 years old and three months pregnant in 1998 when she detected a lump in her breast. She later miscarried and discovered she had cancer. She survived four bouts with cancer before a fifth recurrence in March. . .

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_...

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They have four children, raised over $6 million for breast cancer research, and just damn.

Oh, he was one of the all-time great linebackers, too, college and pro (yes, the Detroit Lions. The Barry years. Doesn't matter tonight). I have followed their courage and commitment throughout this fight. Like I said, just damn. Going to make a donation tonight to fight breast cancer.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. :^(

[BeatleBoot]

2. Sad news

Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Chris always had his heart in the game.

On the field and off.

[Botany]

3. Love and prayers!

[Faygo Kid]

4. Great pic. Here's a link to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

A couple of really good people. I know Chris will be alright; this must come as no surprise. All the best to him and the kids. Talk about class, all the way around.

I wish DU had this among their donor groups, but I'm sure Skinner won't mind me providing the link: http://www.jamesline.com/waystogive/funds/spielman/Page...

[MissDeeds]

5. So very sorry to learn of her passing

"Just damn" is right. My god, she suffered through four bouts of cancer and then succumbed to the fifth. That is beyond tragic. What good people they were to have to endure so much. Heartbreaking seems too small a word.

[Renew Deal]

6. Tragically sad

[susanwy]

7. So sad...

I'm watching a family member go through the same, with out the resources the Spielman family has...we are all humbled by cancer. I do all I can now to donate to the fight against breast cancer. And I wonder how many lives the new "guidelines" on self-exams and mammograms will cost.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

My condolences to the Spielman family..

Susan

[lizziegrace]

8. I attend the same church they have

and have witnessed what the rounds of chemo and radiation have done to Stephanie. She never gave up and never lost hope. Neither did Chris.

He was a role-model to so many during the time he taught the HS Sunday School class.

My heart breaks for this family.

[Faygo Kid]

21. When she lost her hair, he shaved his head. He ended his career early for her.

Took a year off, too, from football to take care of her and the kids.

Class acts, both of them. He'll be all right, and so will the kids. They are solid and have the financial resources most don't.

[lizziegrace]

22. They honored the vows they took

That speaks volumes. She will be missed.



http://www2.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/spielmans_...

[sasquatch]

9. Damn

[wutangfan85]

12. Just Damn is right, as a lifelong Buckeye Fan

who has seen Chris Spielman talk about him and his wife raise awareness about it's just very sad to that she has passed on. I remember at one time when he was playng with the Detroit Lions when he first found out about his wife he took time off just to take of her. Most of his teammates had said that if it came down to playing football or taking care of his wife then he would always take care of his wife.

R.I.P
Stephanie Spielman

[superconnected]

10. Too bad she didn't live to 50 to start her breast exams...j/k. Rip Stefani.

Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Having known way to many people my age(43) or younger die of cancer now, cancer scares me more than any other disease. A friend of mine who was a biologist believes most cancers are linked to viruses. Ie. My cats have feline lukemia virus. He was mad that they wouldn't acknowledge it's a virus in humans. He told me that 3 years ago. Since then I've noticed many cancers are listing direct links to viruses now that used to not - ie Farrahs. Breast cancer hasn't been linked to one yet - that I know of, but I won't be surprised if it eventually gets reported that it is.

[michreject]

17. No shit. the 50 YO start check ain't gonna cut it.

I remember Chris shaving his head in support of his wife. He took a year off to take care of her.

He was my favorite Lions defensive player ever.

[avaistheone1]

11. Sad news.

So sad for this family's loss.

[Berry Cool]

13. So sad. Condolences to her family.

Obviously, her cancer was very, very aggressive. The sad part of her story is that it may well be that no matter how early or small it was when it was found, it was going to kill her no matter what.

Five recurrences...damn. That is aggressive. It sounds like a case of a really terrible pathology. You can fight it and fight it and fight it, and it just keeps coming back. Horrible.

[MidwestRick]

14. Sad to hear

Spielman will always be one of my favorite Lions.

[nyy1998]

15. RIP

Atleast she put up a hell of a fight.

[Coventina]

16. My heartfelt condolences.

I just have to say, though: I thought only women over 50 got breast cancer?

[katkat]

18. what a sweet face

What a sweet face she had, you can just see that they are good people. How sad. Hell of a fight, Stephanie.

[fascisthunter]

19. man, that has got to be tough

I can't imagine losing my Donna... the thought actually hurts.

[theHandpuppet]

20. RIP, dear Stefanie

You fought the brave fight, now rest, sweet lady.

[Withywindle]

23. Too. Damn. Young.

I'm not even a sports fan and don't really know who these people are. But it's obvious she was a cool person and she was loved, and her family and friends must be crushed. She should have had at least another three decades to enjoy the feel of the breeze, her favorite music, the taste of her favorite foods, the laughter and touches of her loved ones, and everything our beautiful world has to offer. Life is so precious!

Can we take ALL the money those fucking insurance companies make off the backs of the sick and apply it to real, honest medical research to get rid of these horrible diseases like, YESTERDAY?!?