STEFANIE SPIELMAN DIED OF BREAST CANCER

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Stefanie Spielman, 42, wife of NFL and Ohio State star Chris Spielman who led a public fight against cancer, died Thursday after lengthy struggle of the disease.

WBNS radio in Columbus where Chris Spielman is a co-hosts of a show said, Stefanie Spielman died at the family's home in Upper Arington surrounded by her family.

"Stefanie has gone home to be with the Lord," Chris Spielman said in a statement released by the station. "For that, we celebrate, but with broken hearts. I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 years. Together, with your help, hopefully we made a difference in this fight."

Stefanie Spielman was 30 years old and three months pregnant in 1998 when detected a lump in her breast. She later miscarried and discovered she had cancer and survived four bouts before a fifth recurrence in March.

Chris who played linebacker with Buffalo Bills decided to give up his football career for one year to stay home with his wife and children. When his wife lost her hair because of chemotherapy treatments, he shaved his head.

"People say "It's a great thing that you're doing," Chris said at the time. "I always say it would be a terrible thing if I didn't."

The Spielmans became an advocates for breast-cancer detection and research, winning several awards for their dedication for the cause. They raised more than $6 million for breast cancer research in Ohio State through the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.