Legacy Magazine

With your support, the Stefanie Spielman Fund continues to drive innovative research, prevention, and treatment at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, highlighted in this issue by Dr. Margaret Gatti-Mays' work with patients battling treatment-resistant cancer.

For 25 years, the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research has raised money in support of cancer research and patient care at the OSUCCC – James. The Spielman family never expected Stefanie’s cancer diagnosis, but their experience has impacted many lives and left a legacy of hope that has made a difference.

Stefanie Spielman’s legacy has made a difference to so many people. Over a decade later, the fight is still going strong through the devotion of all who have contributed to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

2020 was a year none of us will likely soon forget. Throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hardships and the changes, we remained focused on a promise we made to Stefanie to “continue to fight, continue to live” — thanks to your incredible generosity.

It's been 10 years since Stef lost her courageous battle with breast cancer. She taught us so much about inspiring others and fighting for a cause greater than oneself. This milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect upon not only her impact on our lives but also her impact on breast cancer research and the lives of others.

Two decades. The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research celebrates 20 years this year. It’s a milestone of which I am incredibly proud — and one I’m certain Stefanie would be equally delighted about.

“Life takes us on unexpected paths, and my story is no different.” – Stefanie Spielman

Do you know the positive impact you are making? Do you realize that every dollar you donate to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research supports research and patient care at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James)?

I never wanted to be a cancer advocate, I never wanted to see my wife fight breast cancer and I never wanted to see my kids watch this disease take their mother.

Stefanie shared this thought throughout her life and today I continue to share that message with all of you. No, we don’t have a cure for cancer yet, but we are taking small steps every day of making that goal a reality.

What motivates you? Is it your own disease? Is it a friend? Is it a loved one? Stef asked us these questions for a reason. Until we find out what motivates us, we won’t be able to achieve our mission: a cancer-free world.

TEN MILLION DOLLARS...that is a huge number, and the Spielman Funds have reached this incredible milestone thanks to your support!

“With each year, each month, and each day there are new breakthroughs and possibilities in the fight against cancer.” Those were my wife Stefanie’s words, and they have given me the strength and determination to carry on her dream of ending this terrible disease.

Over the past year, our family has received an outpouring of support and love from the community and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness. In the midst of the sadness and our loss, we have found a great deal of strength in the community’s desire to help.

This has been an amazing year of support for our family and for the Spielman funds. We are truly blessed to have so many friends throughout the central Ohio community and the entire Buckeye Nation. Thank you so much for your well-wishes and prayers — they mean a great deal to our family.

Autumn greetings! Where does the time go? Summer already feels so long ago, but I’d like to share a highlight from July.