Wheaton volunteer and vet diagnosed with cancer to take Honor Flight

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A social worker at Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare is helping an 86-year-old hospital volunteer open up about fighting a battle even bigger than cancer. This, after the long-time volunteer, Ken Fox, found himself walking through the doors of the hospital as a patient.

"It made me feel like I was going back to a second home," Fox told FOX6 News about his experience receiving cancer treatment from Wheaton-Franciscan -- the hospital he has volunteered at for nearly a decade.

Linda Sarner is Fox's oncology social worker.

"I met him on his first day in the Cancer Care Center in November of 2010. He's not in remission, but we're maintaining where he's at with the cancer," Sarner said.

Four months ago, Fox opened up about something he rarely talks about. He says testicular cancer is nothing compared to the battles he faced back in 1945. Just don't ask him for details.

"Some very sad things. Probably things that bring back memories," Fox said.

Fox served in the Army during World War II. That sparked an idea in Sarner. She filled out an application for Fox to participate in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

Additionally, a photography exhibit has been set up at Wheaton, honoring past veterans who have made the day-long trek to the nation's capital. For Sarner, it is a way to say 'thank you' for Fox's service at Wheaton-Franciscan.

"This is so nice that we are being honored. There's a lot of satisfaction that you get when you help people," Fox said.

Fox's Honor Flight is on Saturday, September 21st. Sarner applied to be Fox's guardian on the trip, so she will be by his side all day.