Chris Spielman's wife, Stefanie Spielman succumbed to breast cancer in 2009. Image Source: Chris Spielman Facebook.
Charles Christopher Spielman, also known as Chris Spielman, is a former football player from America. He currently serves as a special assistant to the owner and CEO of the Detroit Lions, the team for whom he played as a linebacker. Furthermore, he also played for the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. He also coached the Arena Football League’s Columbus Destroyers.
Life is not always about sunshine, sometimes we have to go through storms. Chris’s marital life with Stefanie Spielman was going well. Despite her sickness, the couple was holding on until she passed away. It must have been difficult for the former player. So, in today’s article, let’s learn about Chris Spielman’s wife and her life.
One Of The Four Children Of Her Parents
Chris Spielman’s spouse was born Stefanie Lynn Belcher in 1967 in Ohio. She was welcomed by Richard Belcher and Myra Belcher. She grew up with her three siblings, Sue Fitz, Sandy Belcher, and Cindy Belcher. It must have been fun for Stefanie to grow up in such a big clan. Unfortunately, Stefanie Spielman’s dad has already passed away.
Furthermore, Stefanie went to Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio, and graduated in 1985. Then, she went to The Ohio State University, from where she graduated in 1989.
Met In Their Mid-Teens
Chris and Stefanie were married for several years. The couple met in 1982 at a teen dance club in Stark County. At that time, she was 15, and he was 17 and were attending Jackson High School and Massillon High School, respectively. Furthermore, she was his only girlfriend from high school till the year they got married.
The high school sweethearts tied the knot on June 24, 1989. The couple then started their own family of six. Chris Spielman’s late wife gave birth to their first daughter, Madison Spielman. Later, the pair went on to have three more kids, their son, Noah Spielman, and their baby girls, Macy Lynn Spielman, aka Macy Spielman, and Audrey Spielman.
Stefanie and Chris raised their kids with immense love and care. All four of Stefanie Spielman’s children have already grown up and are doing well in their careers and personal life.
Diagnosed With Cancer When She Was 30
It was 1988, and Chris Spielman’s wife, Stefanie, was three months pregnant. She detected a lump in her breast. Unfortunately, she suffered from a miscarriage. Stefanie, who was only 30 then, discovered she had cancer. When she first learned about her breast cancer, she shared the news with her daughter Madison, aka Maddie Spielson, and her son, Noah, who was just a toddler.
Chris and Stefanie must have been devasted because of the discovery. The former even gave up football for a year so that he could stay at home with his wife and their children. For the next 11 years, the duo shared the journey, which brought them suffering and joy. It became an inspiration and hope to others as well. Furthermore, the lovebirds had two options: either quit or fight the disease and they chose the latter.
For over a decade, Stefanie had chemotherapy treatment several times, resulting in hair loss. Her husband even shaved his hair to help his kids understand. Mrs. Spielman fought cancer each time and survived four bouts. Their battle was full of determination and deep love, which even moved talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
In March 2009, the pair again discovered cancer had returned. With the same enthusiasm and dedication, the couple was willing to fight. Unfortunately, the Jackson High alumna could not survive the battle this time and passed away on November 19, 2009, at their home in Upper Arlington.
View this post on Instagram
Stefanie Spielman’s husband shared the news via a statement released by WBNS radio. It has already been over a decade since she left the world, but she is alive in her children’s and her spouse’s memory. Her daughter, Maddie, often posts about her.
Also Read: Did You Know Jamie Chadwick’s Boyfriend, Struan Moore Used To Be A Race Car Driver?
Was Active In Raising Funds For Breast Cancer Research
After being diagnosed with cancer, Stefanie understood what this disease could do and wanted to help others. She was passionate about preventing and finding a cure for it. As a result, The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research was founded at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in 1998.
When it was founded, the original goal of the fund was $250K. In addition, in the first six months of its existence, it was easily surpassed. Till 2009, the foundation has raised over $6.5 million for research and prevention.
Since then, more than $23 million has been raised with the help of thousands of individuals, companies, and several other charitable foundations. From day one, it has shown smart fiscal management and a well-judged expense plan, ensuring funds are given where the need is most.
Likewise, the Ohio native also helped establish The Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund, providing help to breast cancer patients and their families experiencing financial difficulties associated with the treatment.
Similarly, Mrs. Spielman had also created a non-profit organization, Strong Hearts, which later merged into the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Center. A tireless advocate for breast cancer awareness, Chris’ late partner publicly battled the disease. She was a source of inspiration for many. And, even when she is not around, her legacy continues to shine through the fund program and other works.
Stefanie Left A Manuscript
As mentioned earlier, when Stefanie learned about cancer, she thought it was wise to be frank with Maddie and Noah about the disease. She told them that she had a boo-boo on her bosoms. Then, when she was battling it, she quietly wrote in a book so that it could be informative and serve as an encouragement to children whose moms have cancer.
Stefanie wrote “Cancer Boo-Boo” from the perspective of Maddie. During her final illness, she kept the manuscript aside, and it ended up in Bret Adams and Rick Bauer‘s possession, which was later passed along with other Strong Hearts records at the time of merge. In 2020, when they started working with Chris, they talked about the manuscript, whose backup copy was safely kept on Bauer’s computer.
Bret sent it to Maddie, and then her aunt Sue and her friend Nancy Rapport helped complete it and sent it to Telemachus Press for publication. Donna Stackhouse, a Floridian illustrator, worked on the art for the picture book, and they were based on Spielman family photos.
In the words of her mother… @maddie_spielman shares a new Children’s book on how to talk to your kids about cancer. Her mother wrote it before she passed away… and she fulling her mothers dream, got it published @SusanGKomen @OSUWexMed pic.twitter.com/r77R0pCrTb
— ❌aria Durant (@mariawsyx6) May 6, 2022
The book shares several intimate moments, and Stefanie Spielman’s daughter could not be happier to fulfill her dream of providing the book to those who need it. Well, with that being said, wherever Stefanie is, she must be proud of what her baby girl has done.
Furthermore, Stefanie Spielman’s husband has found love again. He is happily married to Carrie Yocom Spielman who also has two children, Gina Marie Yocom, and Kendra Yocom. Likewise, Stefanie’s kids too must be doing well. Wherever she is, she must be looking down at them.
For More Updates On Celebrity Babies, Feuds, Their Riches, Siblings, And Entertainment, Keep In Touch With eCelebrityMirror.
For More Updates on Articles, Celebrity Babies, Celebrity Feuds, Celebrity Siblings, Entertainment, Richest Celebrities, Keep In Touch With eCelebritymirror.
