Steelers, Roethlisberger make 9-year-old cancer survivor's wish come true

PITTSBURGH — Nine-year-old Carson Boyle is a proud member of “Steeler Nation.” And like many fans of the Black & Gold, he’s a huge Ben Roethlisberger fan.

Carson is also a cancer survivor.

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According to an article on the official Pittsburgh Steelers website, Carson wrote an essay on why he wanted to meet Roethlisberger and shake his hand.

Last week, thanks to the Steelers and Make-A-Wish, Carson got his wish.

"We are so grateful," said his mother Jennifer Boyle, via Steelers.com. "This is all he has talked about. He has had a long, rough year. It was almost a year ago he was diagnosed. It's been a long year with a lot of surgeries. This is so wonderful. It was such a wonderful experience."

Carson was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last November. After several surgeries, he's been cancer-free since January, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

However, for a few more years, there’s a one-in-three chance the cancer will surface in his lymph nodes.

The young boy from Pottsville was given a pair of Roethlisberger autographed cleats, watched practice and got to meet many of Big Ben’s teammates.

Running back DeAngelo Williams, an outspoken breast cancer awareness advocate, also made a lasting impression on Carson.

"He spent probably as much time as Ben Roethlisberger," Carson's mother, Jennifer, said via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Carson was shy, so he said, 'Well, let me ask you some questions?' Carson definitely started to warm up after that."

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The once-in-a-lifetime experience was topped off with a trip to the Steelers-Browns game Sunday at Heinz Field.

Carson’s favorite player put up nearly 400 yards passing and three touchdowns.

"He has been looking forward to this for a long time," Jennifer Boyle told Steelers.com. "He has been a Steelers fan since preschool. He watches every game. This is his first game he is getting to go to. It's so heartwarming to see them do this. They have all been so nice. This is something he will remember for the rest of his life."

What started as a rough beginning looks like it’s shaping up to be a happy ending.

WPXI