[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF STEFANIE SPIELMAN

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                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stefanie Spielman, a 
dedicated activist who fought to increase funding for breast cancer 
research and raise awareness about the disease. Stefanie was diagnosed 
with breast cancer in 1998, survived four bouts of cancer and worked 
tirelessly to raise awareness about the vital role routine examinations 
play for women. Stefanie's death in November 2009 was a tragic loss for 
her family and the Columbus community, but her legacy will live on.
   After her diagnosis, it became Stefanie's life mission to raise 
money for breast cancer awareness and research. Her initial efforts 
were focused locally. Her neighborhood grocery store asked shoppers to 
purchase paper footballs, the donations from which would be given to 
the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. The response was overwhelming. 
Within six months donations totaled $1 million, far exceeding the 
initial goal of $250,000. Inspired by this outpouring of support, 
Stefanie established the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer 
Research and Stefanie's Champions, an annual awards program recognizing 
those whose love, dedication and strength have had a powerful impact on 
the lives of cancer survivors. Stefanie's fundraising efforts continued 
over the next twelve years and at the time of her death, the Stefanie 
Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research had raised over $6.5 million 
for breast cancer research, education, and patient assistance. Stefanie 
also helped establish the Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund, 
which provides financial support to breast cancer patients and their 
families who are experiencing financial hardships. Through these 
efforts, Stefanie has touched the lives of countless individuals and 
families who have struggled with breast cancer.
   The Upper Arlington Historical Society and the city of Upper 
Arlington have chosen Stefanie Spielman as one of the 2010 inductees to 
the Upper Arlington Wall of Honor. Each year, the Historical Society 
and the city select members of the community who have demonstrated 
outstanding achievement and personal character, or provided valuable 
service to the community. The induction ceremony will be held on May 
23, 2010, in honor of Stefanie, her contributions to Upper Arlington, 
Columbus, and the search for a cure for breast cancer. I am proud to 
honor Stefanie Spielman, whose leadership and courage in the fight 
against breast cancer in the Columbus and greater Ohio area has been 
and continues to be an inspiration.

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