NFL star Chris Spielman's wife dies of breast cancer

Stefanie, the wife of former Lions’ linebacker Chris Spielman, died Thursday (Nov. 19) at her home in Columbus after a 12-year battle with breast cancer, The Associated Press quoted WBNS radio in Columbus, where Chris Spielman co-hosts a show, as reporting.

Stefanie succumbs to cancer
"Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord," Chris said in a statement released by the radio 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’s death came a year after the Spielmans celebrated Chris’ selection to the Lions’ All-75th Anniversary Team in Detroit last November.

“The Lions’ family is deeply saddened with the passing of a good friend. Stefanie touched the hearts of everyone who knew her,” Lions’ president Tom Lewand said in a statement. “With her strong faith and Chris’ devoted support, Stefanie smiled in the face of adversity and used her battle with cancer to help countless others. She was and always will be an inspiration. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go to Chris and the family.”

Stefanie was diagnosed with the breast cancer when she was 30-year-old. The mother of four discovered that was stricken with the condition after she felt a lemon-sized lump on her breast. At the time, she was three months pregnant that ended in a miscarriage.

She then underwent chemotherapy treatments and began balding. When his wife lost her hair, Chris shaved his head in support of his wife’s battle.

"People say 'It's a great thing that you're doing,' Chris said at the time. "I always say it would be a terrible thing if I didn't."

Dedicated to breast-cancer detection and research
Soon after her breast cancer was diagnosed, Stefanie and Chris became advocates for breast-cancer detection and research. They established the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research and the Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

The Spielmans have helped raised $6.5 million through their numerous fund-raising activities including the annual Stefanie’s Champions luncheon in Columbus. The couple won several awards for their dedication to the cause.

A bit on the NFL player
Charles Christopher "Chris" Spielman (born Oct. 11, 1965) is a former NFL linebacker who played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills. The footballer was with the Cleveland Browns when he was forced to retire after a violent hit left him momentarily paralyzed.

The buzz is that Chris, a four-time Pro Bowler from Ohio State, gave up playing football to aid in his wife’s fight against breast cancer.

Stefanie was the football star’s high school sweetheart. The couple have four children together- Madison, Noah, Macy and Audrey.