COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Stefanie Spielman, the wife of former Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman, died Thursday night at age 42 after a more than 10-year fight with breast cancer.

Chris Spielman took a year off from his NFL career when Stefanie was first diagnosed in 1998, and since then the family has worked to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.

According to Cleveland.com, the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State has raised more than $6.5 million. She also created Stefanie's Champions, a program that honors cancer patient caregivers.

"She will be missed, but never forgotten. Her passion and commitment will live on for generations to come. She's truly a champion," Dr. Michael Caligiuri, chief executive of the James Cancer Hospital, said in a statement.

Stefanie Spielman took the field at Ohio Stadium in a wheelchair when her husband was honored by Ohio State in September for his election to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Stefanie Spielman is survived by Chris, a sportstalk radio host in Columbus and ESPN commentator, and four children.