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

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

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.

Chris Spielman was a standout linebacker at Ohio State and a 10-year NFL veteran. He's currently a college football analyst at ESPN.

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RIP.

RIP.

She fought hard for so long but it got her in the end. So sad. :cry:

And what a man Spielman is. He supported his wife 100 pct. by giving up something he no doubt loved and worked hard for, football. And shaving his head in support? That's cool too.

he gave up a year in the prime of his career for her

Chris is and was the pure-heart-beating example of a football player especially a linebacker. His career was cut short by a neck injury but there is nothing that says more about him that his realization of what was more important in life.

Best wishes cherish and celebrate the life.

..... Stefanie fought like a champ for 11 years, raised 6.5 million $s to help others w/ cancer, and was a great mom.

RIP Stef. I got your back.

She was out there raising money to the end.