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Greetings from Stefanie
and Chris |
The tenth anniversary of Stefanie’s Champions was held on Wednesday, April 15, honoring six special heroes in the lives of cancer patients during a luncheon award ceremony at the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s grand ballroom.
Congratulations to our 2009 Champions:
Randy Gale Nance II (RG), of Columbus, nominated by his mother, Iris M. Colemire
Dr. David Halley, of Columbus, nominated by his former co-worker Rhonessa Nelms
Jack Davis, of Galloway, nominated by his wife, Julie Davis
Jennifer Bowsher, of Lima, nominated by her daughter, Jessica Bowsher
Patty’s Pit Crew, lead by Susan Falzarano, of Marysville, nominated by friend Patricia Stanseski
Danielle Nicole Lashley, of Mount Vernon, nominated by her mother, Gail Ann Lashley
The Champion Award, established by breast cancer survivor Stefanie Spielman and her husband, Chris Spielman, is designed to honor one of the most important factors in cancer treatment: the loving and healing presence of a devoted caregiver.
Stefanie gave the first Champion award to her husband, a former football standout with The Ohio State University and the National Football League, after he put his professional football career on hold to care for her when she was first treated for breast cancer in 1998 at Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Proceeds from the luncheon go to the Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund and the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Since 1999, more than $5 million has been raised for the fund through activities and donations.
A Special Tribute
Stefanie shares her memories of her friend Heather Pick.
Skate for Hope
Join national and local ice skating stars, including 2006 Olympian Emily Hughes, at Skate for Hope on June 20, 2009 at Nationwide Arena. Benefiting the Spielman Fund, Skate for Hope utilizes figure skating to bring attention, resources and education to fight against breast cancer. Each year, over 100 figure skaters from the Central Ohio area come together with Olympic, World and National Champions to present a spectacular show, honoring those that have been touched by this disease. Contact: Carolyn Bongirno www.skateforhope.org.