Watch CBS News

Steelers QB Makes Boy's Dream Come True, Donates $30K To Make-A-Wish

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- At Steelers headquarters on the South Side, the team is preparing for a showdown this weekend in New England.

But for 8-year-old Anthony Cook, it's a day off from school to see his favorite team practice.

The South Allegheny third grader, who has almost daily pain from Neurofibromytosis, was taken to Disney World last year by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Anthony got to attend Steelers practice as a special ambassador to Make-A-Wish.

But there's something in it for him, too.

He's about to meet his favorite player, who's also going to present him with a big gift.

"So we're going to present $30,000 to Make-A-Wish," Roethlisberger says.

The donation came from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.

"It's the equivalent of about seven wishes, a little more. So big day, big surprise, big check," says President of the Greater Pa. Make-A-Wish Judith Stone.

Being a fairly new father himself, Roethlisberger says this was a special moment.

"I've always had a soft spot for kids. And now that I have one and one that's on the way, it's even more special," he says.

Cook wanted to help the organization that helped him during his tough times.

"I just really felt like just doing it, just helping other kids," Cook says.

Anthony's mom, Diana Cook, says it was a dream come true to see her son so happy.

And to make him even happier, Cook received free tickets to the game a week from Sunday.

RELATED STORIES
More Steelers News
More Reports by Dave Crawley

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.