I am so proud of “our” Funds and the incredible strides we are making right here at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. I say “our” Funds, because that’s precisely what they are. The Spielman Funds don’t belong to me, to Stef, to anyone … they represent the collective community coming together to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Thank you for stepping up and believing we can make a difference.
With your help, we are making great strides in research and patient care. Our researchers work tirelessly every day developing new and innovative treatment options for our patients. Through use of the Stefanie Spielman Tissue and Tumor Bank, researchers are identifying subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer, developing new drugs and new drug targets. In addition, The Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund has supported more than 150 breast cancer patients and their families in 2012. These are patients who struggle financially to make ends meet while undergoing treatment. The Fund provides support for Kroger gift cards, gas cards, medical equipment and even help during the holidays. Your donations make the difference and provide hope to breast cancer patients every day.
It has certainly been an eventful year: we announced our $10 million milestone at the 12th Annual Stefanie’s Champions Luncheon, we had a record year for our Community Partners Program ($1.9 million and 160 fundraisers), the Comprehensive Breast Center was named in honor of Stefanie and personally I shared my journey through football, family and cancer in my book That’s Why I’m Here – The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story and I continue to be amazed by my wonderful children.
I stand with all of you, ready, willing and able to help beat cancer once and for all. Our time is coming…. as Stef said, “Continue to fight. Continue to live.”
God Bless,
Chris