Stefanie Spielman Dead: Chris Spielman Wife Died of Breast Cancer

by Jon Azpiri | November 19, 2009 at 08:13 pm

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Stefanie Spielman, the wife of former NFL player Chris Spielman, died Thursday at the age of 42 after more than a decade long battle with breast cancer. Stefanie Spielman was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 30 and used her husband's fame to raise awareness about the disease.

After her initial diagnosis in 1998, Spielman started the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, which raised millions.

She also worked tirelessly to raise awareness about breast cancer.

"Tell them I have breast cancer," she recalled telling her husband, per the Columbus Dispatch. "It may make one guy go home and say: 'Honey, my favorite football player's wife has breast cancer. You got to remember to make that mammogram appointment.' "

During this time, Stefanie Spielman dealt with breast cancer, which went into remission several times. In March of this year, her cancer returned for the fifth time.

Stefanie Speilman is survived by her husband Chris and their four children: 15-year-old Madison, 13-year-old Noah, 8-year-old Macy, and 7-year-old Audrey.

As for funeral arrangements, public calling hours will take place at the Longaberger Alumni House on Olentangy River Road on Monday from 1 to 8 p.m. There will be a celebration of life service on Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church on Cambridge Boulevard