Stefanie Spielman, wife of Ohio State and NFL star, dies at 42 (breast cancer)

[The Straight Story]

Stefanie Spielman, wife of Ohio State and NFL star, dies at 42 after long battle with cancer


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The wife of former NFL and Ohio State star Chris Spielman has died after a lengthy battle with cancer.

WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show, says 42-year-old Stefanie Spielman died Thursday at the family's home in Upper Arlington.

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.

Chris Spielman was playing linebacker with the Buffalo Bills when he decided to give up football for a year to stay home with his wife and children. When his wife lost her hair because of chemotherapy treatments, he shaved his head.

The Spielmans became advocates for breast-cancer detection and research, winning several awards for their dedication to the cause.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/wire/sns-ap-fbn-obit-stefanie-spielman,0,4898367.story

[Botany]

1. Much love to Chris and his family.

:cry:

Chris was very devoted to his wife and wore his love for her out loud and proud.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. How dreadful....too young, way too young...

Safe passage to her.

My deepest condolences to her husband, her family and to all who loved her...

[Ilsa]

3. Blessings to this family who has lost so much. So very sad. nt

[MadMaddie]

4. This is why self examination is important she found it and extended

her life.

May she RIP! Too young!!

[Berry Cool]

6. Self-examination did not save her, though.

This was a very aggressive form of cancer, obviously. Self-examination helped her find it sooner so she could start fighting back sooner. She got a little bit more life, maybe, but it didn't save her.

That's why we need prevention, not just "early detection."

[MadMaddie]

9. I agree it did extend her life.

I am very troubled with the recent announcement about mammograms and self examination.

[Skittles]

5. lovely gal

[SidDithers]

7. Very sad...

Spielman and Barry Sanders were the best things about the Detroit Lions in the early 90's.

Sid

[WCGreen]

8. They were an upstanding example of family devotion...

How many NFL football players would walk away for a year just to be there for his wife...