The high-school sweethearts would marry, and had our introduction to them ended there it would've been a great love story. But at age 30, Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and a simple fairy tale became an inspiration to millions.Chris put his All-Pro career on hold so that he could be with his wife while she fought the disease -- it remains one of the manliest (for lack of a better word) and most selfless acts I've ever seen by a public figure. Stefanie refused to play the victim, turning an ominous diagnosis into a chance to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for research. After just six months, her appeal for $250,000 had been met with donations totaling four times that amount; ten years on, the foundation that bears her name has raised over $6.5 million.
Stefanie and Chris joined every challenge as true lifemates. As we saw them in public, candid and faithful, so they were in more private moments. Together they showed the world their unconditional love and a depth of character that's all too rare these days.
She pressed the monster into remission four times but, sadly, lost her fight in the fifth round. Stefanie Spielman died yesterday at 42, at home with her family by her side.The echoes of Stefanie's personal courage will ring with all who knew her or simply know of her. I have no doubt that Chris will forge on with their mission, albeit now without his beloved partner.
What resonates within me, however, goes beyond any hometown connection or admirable struggle against terminal illness. In this world of spin, stunts and selfish superficiality, Stefanie and Chris Spielman -- inseparable, as both would insist that we see them -- leave me with an example of what it means to be real.
That's one helluva legacy.
