SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — An event at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance won’t be the only fundraiser on Saturday to help a South Dakota Air National Guard member who’s been battling cancer.

The vice-president of operations with Taco John’s in Sioux Falls saw our story this week about the health challenges facing Chris Thesenvitz and decided he wanted to help, too.

Ted Miller felt a special connection with Chris Thesenvitz, even though the two have never met.

“The air guard’s been part of our life for a lot of years. My son spent 18 years in the air guard, so when I saw the story, I just felt like it was something we should take part in,” Miller said.

So all eight Taco John’s locations in Sioux Falls will host a fundraiser Saturday morning to help cover the cost of home renovations for Thesenvitz, who’s now in a wheelchair. Taco John’s will donate half of its breakfast sales to Thesenvitz.

“Our bacon and sausage breakfast burritos are, they’re the go-to for everybody,” Miller said.

Taco John’s will have extra staff on duty to serve the large breakfast crowds expected for Saturday morning.

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“Knowing that this is going to someone personal, that is within the community, that’s wonderful,” Taco John’s Supervisor Crystal Coster said.

Taco John’s says customers always step forward when someone in the community needs help. Generosity is ready to order to assist an air guard member who’s now waging the biggest battle of his life.

“It’s such a horrible story. You look at somebody who’s gave so much of his life to our community and to our country, it just makes you want to help,” Miller said.

The breakfast benefit runs from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday. You can also place orders online.

That will be followed by fundraising activities at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in the afternoon and evening.