WILSON, N.C. — A North Carolina man battling liver cancer got a big lift from the Steelers win over the San Diego Chargers.

Pittsburgh long snapper Greg Warren shipped one of the game balls from Monday night’s win to Richie Creech, of Wilson, N.C.

The Wilson (N.C.) Times reports that Mr. Creech was diagnosed with Stage 4 primary liver cancer two years ago. Sallie Creech says her husband has gotten much worse since a fundraiser earlier this month.

The couple’s 11-year-old son, Jake, said the game could have been his dad’s last game.

A family friend knew Mr. Warren, who went to Southern Wayne High School and the University of North Carolina. Mr. Warren had the ball shipped overnight to Mr. Creech.

The signed ball included a handwritten letter to let Mr. Creech know Mr. Warren was praying for him.

As a Christmas gift last year, Mr. and Mrs. Creech took Jake and their daughter Jacey to Pittsburgh to see their first game and make some memories, the Times reported. They went back for a game earlier this season as well.

The kids have followed their parents in supporting the Steelers .

"My dad likes the Steelers,” Jake said. "If it’s important to him, it’s important to me.”

First Published: October 16, 2015, 5:49 p.m.