2010 Wall of Honor to Induct Cindy Dyas and Stefanie Spielman
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The Upper Arlington Historical Society and City of Upper Arlington recently honored Cindy Dyas and Stefanie Spielman as the 2010 inductees for the Wall of Honor.
To be considered for the Wall of Honor, a person must meet three criteria: He or she must be deceased; must have lived in Upper Arlington for part of their lives; and must have made a significant contribution to the city, the state and/or the nation. Honorees are recognized via permanent bronze plaques on the "Wall of Honor" located on the plaza in front of the Municipal Services Center. The Wall of Honor is made possible by a partnership between the Upper Arlington Historical Society and the City of Upper Arlington.
| Cindy Dyas
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Cindy Dyas was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, and by 1992 she had become actively involved in both the fight against cancer and advocating for improvements in patient care. She was instrumental in bringing the Susan G. Komen Race for the CureŽ to Columbus. The first race was held in 1993 with approximately 800 runners and walkers. By 2009, that number had increased to 47,000 participants. Over the years, the Race has raised more than $13 million to support Ohio cancer research and grants.
Cindy was a member of the Columbus Komen Board since it was formed, Chaired the VIP Reception and Awards Committee, and walked in every race but one. Cindy was awarded the Komen Cameo Award at the national level in 2003, the highest honor given to a volunteer. In the spring of 2005, Susan G. Komen for the Cure dedicated the Cindy Dyas Award of Heroism, presented annually to a long-term breast cancer survivor whose courage and determination in the fight against this disease has advanced the search for a cure and given strength to others.
Cindy was a lifelong resident of Upper Arlington, raising three daughters with her husband Mike, and playing an active role in the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. She also served on the Pleasure Guild of Children's Hospital from 1998-2002, was a charter member of the Buckeye Ranch Sustaining Board III, and was jointly honored as the UA Rotary Woman of the Year in 1994 with her mother Ann Rarey.
Stefanie Spielman touched the hearts and minds of many in the 12 years she fought her battle with breast cancer. As someone in the public eye due to her marriage to former OSU and National Football League player Chris Spielman, Stefanie turned her personal challenge into opportunity.
| Stefanie Spielman
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In addition to her tireless efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of routine examinations in women of all ages, Stefanie helped establish two funds in her name that are dedicated to her cause:
- The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. At the time of her passing, more than $6.5 million had been raised for breast cancer research and prevention.
- The Stefanie Spielman Patient Assistance Fund, providing financial support to breast cancer patients and their families who are experiencing financial challenges associated with treatment.
She also created Stefanie's Champions, an annual awards program designed to recognize those whose love, dedication and strength are powerful influences in the lives of cancer survivors.
Two plaques posthumously commemorating the contributions of Cindy Dyas (1955-2005) and Stefanie Spielman (1967-2009) will be dedicated during a Sunday, May 23 ceremony, marking their inclusion in the Upper Arlington Wall of Honor. The public is invited to the ceremony, to be held at the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road.
Cindy and Stefanie will be joining the esteemed ranks of former Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes, King G. Thompson and Benjamin S. Thompson who founded Upper Arlington, OSU football coach Wayne Woodrow (Woody) Hayes, C. William O'Neill who is the only person to have held the highest office in all three branches of Ohio government, OSU basketball coach Fred Taylor, and Dr. Arthur G. James who founded the OSU Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute.
For additional details about the Upper Arlington Wall of Honor, call the UA Historical Society at 470-2610.
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