1998: Big Bear Partnership
After publicly announcing Stefanie Spielman had breast cancer in 1998, the family partnered with Big Bear, a local supermarket, and asked shoppers to purchase paper footballs to be displayed in the store. The goal was to raise $250,000 and donate all the proceeds to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) for breast cancer research. Within six months, donations from the community totaled $1 million
2000: Inaugural Stefanie’s Champions Award Recipient, Chris Spielman
In 2000, the inaugural Stefanie's Champions Luncheon was held to celebrate a cancer survivor's "Champion" — someone who stood by them, provided courage and support through their diagnosis, treatment and care, and who was an inspiration to them through their cancer journey. The Champions Award honored individuals in the lives of cancer survivors who exemplify the qualities and values the Spielman family holds to be important. In 2000, Stefanie gave her husband, Chris, the first award for his unwavering encouragement.
2006: Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Cohort and Tissue Bank Opens
Since its establishment in 2006, the Stefanie Spielman Breast Cancer Cohort and Tissue Bank has helped generate millions of research dollars for Ohio State. The bank collects donated tissue samples from patients treated for cancer at Ohio State. With thousands of collected samples, the bank is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind and has contributed to groundbreaking research.
2007: Spielman Community Partners Raise $1 Million
The Spielman Fund has been championed by the community since its inception through golf outings, bake sales, galas, 5Ks and school fundraisers. By 2007, the combined efforts and generosity from all the community partners events had raised $1 million for breast cancer research, education and patient care.
2009: Discovery of Cancer in Stromal Cells
In 2009, a team of researchers at the OSUCCC – James presented one of the first microenvironmentbased genetic models on the development of breast cancer. The model utilized their discovery that mutations in stromal cells, which give structure to tissues, are linked to cancer formation. This model, challenging the previous understanding of cancer mutations, was called a “paradigm-shifter.”
2009: Patient Assistance Fund Started
Knowing the burdens of cancer expanded beyond the physical, in 2009, Chris and Stefanie established the Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund. For more than a decade, this gift has enabled the OSUCCC – James to hold an annual breast cancer survivorship conference, create "living well with advanced breast cancer" programming, establish support groups and develop educational resources for breast cancer patients, caregivers and families.
2011: Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center Dedication
On Oct. 24, 2011, The Ohio State University dedicated the Comprehensive Breast Center in honor and memory of Stefanie. The center offers the full continuum of breast cancer care, with access to a broad array of breast imaging technologies, diagnostic radiology, clinical trials, chemotherapy, nutrition experts, financial counseling, reconstructive surgery, social work and psychosocial oncology services.
2013: Multiple Subtypes of Breast Cancer Discovered
In 2013, OSUCCC – James researchers and partners in Italy conducted a large-scale study of triple-negative breast cancer and showed that microRNA could be used to define four subtypes of this cancer. This discovery led to new screening methods, prognostic markers and targeted treatments.
2014: Prone Radiation Therapy Treatment Implemented
Doctors at the OSUCCC – James developed the first commercially manufactured prone therapy board in 2014. Previously, the boards were handmade. Prone therapy boards allow women to lie on their stomachs during treatment and reduce radiation exposure to the heart and lung tissues. The implementation of prone radiation treatment has led to better
2020: Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research Reaches $25 Million
The Spielman Fund marked its 22nd anniversary in 2020 by celebrating $25 million raised. Meeting this milestone is a reflection of how inspiring Stefanie’s legacy is to the thousands of people who work to bolster the fund and her memory. Every dollar raised funds research and ensures the SSCBC continues to offer state-of-the-art equipment for the detection and treatment of breast cancer. outcomes for patients