What started as a quest by Chris and Stefanie Spielman to raise $250,000 for breast cancer research has been embraced by the central Ohio community – so much so – that more than $10 million has been raised to support vital breast cancer research and patient assistance at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
The milestone fundraising achievement was announced on April 11 during the 13th annual Stefanie’s Champions Awards luncheon that raises money for the Spielman Funds. The Champion award, established by the Spielmans, is designed to honor an important factor in cancer treatment, the loving and healing presence of a devoted caregiver. Stefanie gave the first Champion award to her husband, Chris, after he put his professional football career on hold to care for her when she was first treated for breast cancer in 1998 at the OSUCCC – James. Stefanie’s battle with breast cancer ended in November 2009.
Initially, Stefanie and Chris had a goal of raising $250,000, but within the first six months, more than $1 million dollars had been raised for The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Today – through their work and the extraordinary grassroots support by Community Partners – $10 million has been raised to support breast cancer patients and research at the OSUCCC – James.
Stefanie Spielman, an Ohio State University graduate who lived by the admonition to “pay it forward,” will be forever remembered for her generosity of spirit as she helped raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of research. In her honor, the University has renamed its breast cancer facility as
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center.
In the first six months, Stefanie and Chris raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research. Since her diagnosis, the Stefanie Spielman Funds have raised more than $9.1 million. The goal is to raise another $7 million over the next three years.
The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center is the first of its kind in the Midwest to offer the full continuum of breast cancer care and expertise – from prevention and screening through detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship – in one convenient, world-class facility.
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