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That's Why I'm Here: The Chris and Stefanie Spielman Story Audiobook
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(4.04) - 250 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Chris Spielman was a high school and Ohio State football legend and a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker, but he didn't tackle his toughest opponent until his playing career was almost over. In 1998 his wife Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and so began an 11-year journey that brought joy and suffering to the Spielmans, as well as hope and inspiration to thousands of others.
In That's Why I'm Here, Spielman traces his storied career, recalls his courtship of Stefanie Belcher, cherishes the growth of their four children, and invokes the deep spiritual faith that gave their family wisdom and comfort in times of struggle. Though there are plenty of on-the-field tales in the book, it's not just for football fans. It's for people whose lives have been touched by cancer, for people whose own faith has wavered, for people who want to meet a woman of tremendous beauty, grace, and strength.
Though Stefanie passed away on November 19, 2009, her memory and inspiration live on. With laughter and tears, joy and heartbreak, this book lets you know her spirit is still here.
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"I can't even describe how wonderful this book is. As I watched and heard about Stefanie's battle I always felt admiration for her courage and how she publicly fought even though I did not know much about her or Chris. This book does an excellent job of sharing their story which is a sports story, a love story, a story of a great warrior but most of all a story of faith. This book makes you want to be not only a better christian but also a better person. This story makes you realize that life is a gift and to enjoy it everyday."
— Kim (5 out of 5 stars)
That's Why I'm Here Listener Reviews
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" I am glad that a book has been written about one of the bravest women. I wish it had been focused more on Stefanie and less on football. "
— Brenda, 2/13/2014 -
" It may jump around a bit, but it's because it's not a "story", it's a conversation. Chris shows us how ordinary people can become truly extraordinary simply through the decisions they make as they go about their daily lives. And the "bad" in life doesn't have to overcome us, we simply have to follow Stef's "marching orders" of "no doom and gloom". "
— Lynnette, 2/13/2014 -
" what a unbelievable human being Stefanie was. I could only hope to be 1/2 the woman she was while battling cancer for 10 years and definately changes my outlook on accepting what God gives us "
— Missy, 2/10/2014 -
" This book is a powerful read! It is a love story as well as an informative look into the battle women face who have breast cancer! "
— Kay, 2/8/2014 -
" great book and very heartfelt. truly touched my heart. would recommend to anyone who has been affected by cancer. "
— Chrissy, 1/29/2014 -
" I encourage everyone to read this book!! Especially if you or anyone you know has or had cancer. Wow!! "
— Artha, 1/23/2014 -
" Tremendous book about two very heroic people. A great story of love, dedication, and faith - and what it means to be a real man of God. Stefanie had an amazing outlook on life and truly made the most of her life without ever becoming bitter or complaining. Both give us a real challenge for how to live our lives. "
— Greg, 1/20/2014 -
" I LOVED this book! This is by far one of my favorite books I have ever read! Such a great story. Yes, it is very sad. LOTS of KLEENEX USED! The strength, endurance, faith and stamina that are protrayed in this book are amazing. Definitely recommend this book to everyone. "
— Myra, 1/20/2014 -
" Excellent book about a couples journey through breast cancer, life and wrestling with God. I hope I could be so brave if my wife or another loved one suffered with this horrible disease. "
— Jim, 1/10/2014 -
" I loved this book! I read the whole book one saturday morning. "
— Crystal, 1/9/2014 -
" What a courageous lady! You need a box of Kleenex beside you to read this story except for Chris' football part. Took me a long time to finish as I could only read a little at a time because of family circumstances. I went to a book signing to buy this book. He still looks sad. "
— Elaine, 1/8/2014 -
" Wonderful book about our "hometown boy". The story is very moving and meaningful. Heartrending. Lots of football talk and lots of family talk. "
— Candy, 1/4/2014 -
" I feel quite guilty not giving this a 5 star rating. The story is inspirational but I wish the quality of the writing did justice to it. "
— Kathy, 1/1/2014 -
" Very poignant and vulnerable - a beautiful love story of a couple dealing with breast cancer "
— Allison, 11/26/2013 -
" A story of love, faith, courage, hope. Truly inspirational. I was a little apprehensive about reading this book since I knew the ending, but it's their journey that I didn't know. It left me evaluating MY life story. I highly recommend this book! "
— Sharon, 11/13/2013 -
" Knowing the outcome going in it was heartbreaking but full of love and faiith "
— Lorraine, 11/3/2013 -
" Good book. Very sad. "
— Lisa, 10/22/2013 -
" What an inspiring book written by the husband of a breast cancer patient. They give back to the community in a huge way. His wife is an amazing woman. Hope runs through the whole story. Good read! "
— Sharon, 9/18/2013 -
" So powerful. I laughed out loud and I cried multiple times. Stephanie's strength and courage and the journey Chris took through his life and her cancer is moving beyond words. It gave me a new perspective on my favorite football player and a new respect for him. "
— Michelle, 7/28/2013 -
" It was a little slow in the beginging for he talked a lot about his football career, but once it started with family an Stefs battle it opens yours eyes to a lot, of what she went through an her family. An what other people go through. The love he had for her was also eye opening an very heart felt. "
— Nikki, 7/23/2013 -
" Good memoir - appreciated Chris's perspective on his events. Glad I read the story behind the family who started out here in Stark County and have done so much for cancer treatment in Columbus. "
— Beth, 6/13/2013 -
" I was disappointed this book wasn't more about Stefanie Spielman and her story. It was mostly about Chris Spielman and his reaction to her cancer. It's a sad story though. No doubt about that. "
— Erin, 3/1/2013 -
" What a courageous & selfless woman. What a beautiful love story. "
— Jobie, 12/10/2012 -
" This story was such a blessing to me. The Spielmans lived their love for God and each other through the toughest of battles. Their honor of God and His will is inspiring. "
— Amanda, 6/2/2012
About Adam Verner
Adam Verner is a stage, film, television, and voice actor and an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. He holds a BS in theater arts from Bradley University and an MFA from Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.