WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - A local business owner is spending the holidays in the hospital. Derek Cochran, who runs Pig In! Pig Out!, has pneumonia. On top of existing respiratory issues, it's led to weeks of hospitalization. His employees are coming together to support him. His employees say Cochran is known for his patience and generosity. During the holidays, he's even more focused on giving. They say he hosts gift giveaways and dinners. Now, one of his employees has started a fundraiser to help cover his medical costs. "This is the second time I've known Derek to be this sick," said longtime employee Ray Garipey. "This is a lot worse than it's ever been." Garipey says Cochran is a good man. "He gives everyone a chance, and if you prove yourself worthy, you've got a job and a friend for a long time," Garipey said. Fifteen years ago, Cochran gave Garipey a job. Six years ago, Cochran helped him quit drinking. "He honestly has been there for everybody as soon as he meets them, no questions asked," said Brooke Scherer, front-end manager at Pig In! Pig Out! "Just, you know, supporting anybody he comes in contact with." Leon woman advocates for sober rides after fiancé and daughter killed in DUI crash Cochran is known as someone who gives freely of time. "It's always been kind of hard to talk to people about, you know, the things that I'm going through," said Davione Hudson, kitchen manager. "He's always just made it clear that he's there to listen and not judge me." Cochran also gives money to feed families and give away Christmas presents. He even helped a landlord host a final holiday meal for her low-income tenants. She said she fully planned on paying for the meal herself. "He said, 'I want to donate,' and I said, 'OK, how much do you want to donate?' I was thinking maybe a hundred bucks or something off my bill," said landlord Kris Sims. "The next thing he said was, 'No, I want to donate the whole meal.'" Employees hope he's able to come back soon. "Trying to help him out and honor his name as much as we can, you know?" said Scherer. "He's done it so long for all of us. We just want him to rest and get better." Employees said they've gotten messages from people sharing how Cochran has helped them in the past.To support Cochran's recovery, you can donate to the fundraiser or grab a meal at the restaurant.