Roethlisberger donates $30,000 to Make-A-Wish, gives jersey he wore on field to 8-year-old

PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made a donation to Make-A-Wish and met one of his biggest fans on Friday.

Roethlisberger made a $30,000 donation from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation to Make-A-Wish's Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter. 

"I'm excited to do this on behalf of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.  On behalf of my dad and my family, we're excited to present a check to you," said Roethlisberger.

Anthony Cook, an 8-year-old Make-A-Wish child, accepted the check on behalf of Make-A-Wish.

Cook had his wish of going to Disney World granted recently and has been giving back to the foundation that gave him the trip of his life.  Cook has been donating his tooth fairy money to Make-A-Wish.

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

Roethlisberger congratulated Cook for his efforts.  Cook was in awe.

"We got along pretty good," Cook said.

"It's just unbelievable.  It's a dream come true just to see him smile.  I've never seen him this happy in his entire life," said Cook's mom, Diana.

Roethlisberger gave Cook the jersey he wore during last week's game.

"You'll be the only one who has a ripped jersey, I promise," said Roethlisberger.

The quarterback also took Cook in the locker room and showed him his locker.

Cook and his family are so appreciative of Roethlisberger and Make-A-Wish.

"They give us wishes.  Every time they hear someone has pain, they give them a wish," Cook said about the foundation.

Cook has neurofibromatosis, a condition that affects the nervous system and carries a high risk of tumor formation.