Chris & Stefanie Spielman: A True Love Story

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We hear all of the stories about Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, and the many other athletes who have committed adultery, while married. Why do the true love stories receive such lackluster attention? After hearing so many negative reports I wanted to share something about true love.

Chris and Stefanie Spielman were high school sweethearts. They dated while students at Ohio State University. Stefanie pursued a degree in journalism and Chris went on to play in the National Football League. In 1989, they married and began to raise their family. In 1998, while three months pregnant, Stefanie discovered a lump in her breast while doing a self- exam.

Chris decided to take a year off from football to assist his wife throughout her medical ordeal. He also shaved his head, in support of Stefanie, when Stefanie lost her hair due to her chemotherapy treatments. How many pro athletes do you know would take a year off of their illustrious careers to stay home and take care of their wife? I haven’t heard of many.

Chris and Stefanie formed a cancer research fund that raised over six million dollars for breast cancer and it also aided low income breast cancer patients. Stefanie was a pillar of strength for her family and the cancer community. She attended numerous functions while raising their children and being a wife to Chris, who is now an ESPN commentator and sports talk radio host in Columbus, Ohio.

Over a twelve year period Stefanie continued fight cancer. It reoccurred over five times. The last and final time was in March of 2009. Stefanie succumbed to her illness on November 19, 2009.

I had the opportunity to see Chris, Stefanie and their four children, at one of her final public appearances, an Ohio State football game. Chris was honored for being elected into The College Hall of Fame. Apparent was the strong bond and love that they had for one another. She had the biggest smile on her face and was so proud of her husband. He on the other hand, seemed to be more concerned with her well being and her comfort, versus receiving another one of his many awards. I saw a demonstration of true love.

Stefanie Spielman felt as if God had given her breast cancer for a cause. “I know there’s a reason God gave me breast cancer, and I’m supposed to do something with it,” she said. She also wanted Chris to use his celebrity status to raise awareness in the cancer community. “Tell them I have breast cancer,”  she recalled telling her husband. “It may make one guy go home and say: ‘Honey, my favorite football player’s wife has breast cancer. You got to remember to make that mammogram appointment.’”

We need more stories on love, commitment, and strength within the pro athlete world. I, for one, am committed to telling them.

 

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